IT WAS with disbelief and dismay that I read in the Globe that Wirral Borough Council is to increase the council tax by 3.9% – eight times the rate of inflation.

It is common knowledge that the council have in excess of £81m in reserve.

It should be used to maintain services not kept in a bank.

The number of councillors should be reduced from 66 to 64 immediately.

This move would generate savings of over £300,000 per year.

I would like to point out that my council tax bill for 2015/16 will rise to £1,550.

This is £500 more than my combined gas, electric and water bills.

Wirral councillors should hang their heads in shame for unnecessarily raising council tax causing more misery for hard-pressed tax payers.

More and more money for an ever-diminishing service.

Stewart – an irate council tax payer, Birkenhead (name and address supplied).