So those on the electoral register, irrespective of whether they pay, are to get another opportunity to vote on the level of council tax increase this year.

There are three options available to us twice, three times or four times the rate of inflation.

How coincidental that both referendums are in the run-up to the council elections in May, bearing in mind that during the previous three years there had been a 20 per cent cumulative increase.

Assuming the lowest option, can the Council leader say how this will be accommodated.

I read in the media that in the pre-budget report, Gordon Brown plans to raise £1 billion via council spending ie equivalent to a seven per cent council tax increase.

Could there be a supplementary increase during the year or a much larger increase next year, once the elections are out of the way and assuming Labour retains control?

More importantly, are referendums a permanent fixture?

I would like to receive some answers please and before May!

Bill Peabody

Croydon