AS a council tax payer as well as a non-domestic ratepayer, I would like to make a few observations about the Blackpool rates bill.

There has been a lot of criticism against the current rise in rates but to their credit Blackpool alone in the Lancashire districts has been constantly lower rated over a number of years and indeed in 2000/01 the rates are lower than was levied in the year 1997/8. From my figures the business tax is 6.92 per cent lower and the council tax 16.35 per cent lower than in 1997/8.

Rates in most authorities are very much related to the wage bill of the authority and, with higher salaries for specialist sectors of the council, they are in a market that is governed by the private sector. If they want the best man/woman for the job it is at a cost.

Higher wages are also sought by staff at all levels. The services it gives to the public do not come cheap either these days and housing and welfare are a drain on the council treasury.

Housing benefit is given not only to former Blackpool residents but also to many more who find Blackpool a desirable place in which to live at the expense of the rate-paying residents, a cost I bellieve which should be borne by national government funding. I also believe that any cost of major conferences should not be the responsibility of the borough or county.

Education is the single most costly section of any council budget, while town development is another costly item and the lack of investment by previous councils has now come home to roost.

In conclusion there is a lot to be done both for the residents, the commerce and the tourists. Let's not lose track of the fact that Blackpool can only be improved with funding from national government, European and private funding. So it is up to every citizen to get behind the council and let them know what you expect of them.

Take this step now... Contact you ward councillor, contact the council deparment direct and get the action to make Blackpool the town it once was so that everyone can be proud of the No 1 resort in the UK.

David Atkinson, Gynn Avenue, Blackpool.