THE thud of council tax bills landing on our doorsteps shortly will be ever heavier. Most of us will greet this latest above inflation increase - almost restrained in the light of more recent demands - with a resigned sigh.

As ever, local government seems to deliver less, charge more and wrap us all up in more and more red tape.

And still there are some pockets where there is a belief that the well is bottomless. Step forward Skipton Town Council which justifies its decision to raise its element of the council tax bill by 26 per cent on the basis that it has had to dip into its reserves.

Most people who dip into their savings to fund their lifestyle don't have the luxury of demanding a 26 per cent pay rise from their employer. Instead they stop spending. There could be a lesson there for Skipton Town Council.