MADAM, I have just put my flat on the market and as it is presently unoccupied I have found out I will have to pay 100% of the council tax, and if it remains unsold I may have to pay 150%!!!

How can Herefordshire Council possibly justify this when charging 75% for single occupancy? I would like a Councillor to explain it to me.

My flat does not use the refuse services, library, citizens advice, council tip etc. It does not make holes in the road, discard litter or attend a local school. Nevertheless it is being charged for these services. How can an empty flat cost the council more than an occupied one?

It seems quite clear to me that Hereford Council is clawing money back from the council tax payers by any means possible as its funding has been cut. I understand the council needs to save money and make cuts, however how can you charge an empty flat for non use of services? If NPower or Welsh Water for instance charged me for electricity and water I hadn't used it would be called robbery or fraud.

Chris Constable, Ross