SIR – It’s interesting that of all the howls of protest over the alleged cost-of-living crisis, none are directed by Labour MPs against the planned two per cent rise in council tax next year by some West Yorkshire local authorities, even though it is said that extra money is available from central government to avoid this happening.

People can economise on food, use less gas or electric, etc, but are forced to pay council tax on pain of prosecution, even imprisonment in extreme cases.

But are councils so hard up? Many observers think not as there is probably plenty of ‘fat’ yet to be trimmed from their spending in most cases.

The truth most likely is that like the claims about food banks or OAP malnutrition, etc, the need to raise taxes by Labour is pure opposition propaganda and should be dismissed as such.

D S Boyes, Upper Rodley Lane, Leeds