I have worried for some time that the new Conservative and Independent council would not be able to reduce the burden of council tax in Herefordshire.

I have held many talks with Roger Philips and other councillors to ensure they are aware the council tax bill is too high. They have assured me they are looking at every way to get better value while at the same time they are obliged to repair the damage caused by the previous Lib-Dem council.

While council tax is still far too high we should be pleased with the latest amendment to reduce our council tax from 10.4% to 8.9%. This would make a significant difference to the people of Herefordshire.

The reduction in council tax would not see a cut in the education budget or on the highways; and would see an increase in social care expenditure by £1 million. The Conservatives' amendment would bring cuts in the budget worth £1 million by eliminating needless bureaucracy and government waste.

Since 1997, the people of Herefordshire have had to endure a 40% increase in their council tax bill under this Labour government.

Council tax is at an unacceptably high level which the Conservative members of the council is trying desperately to reduce, whereas the Liberal Democrats want to see households in Herefordshire paying an average of £571 a year more under their local income tax proposals.

I want to see the people of Herefordshire paying less tax. Less council tax, less income tax: Less Tax Full Stop!

While the council tax is still far too high due to added Government burdens at least here the effort to cut is being made. Well done, and let's have some more!

Bill Wiggin MP for Leominster,

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales.