LESLEY Griffiths, Local Government Minister, stated on television (March 9) that band D council tax payers in Wales paid less than their counterparts in England. Well, just to put the record straight, band D council tax payers in Blaenau Gwent pay not only more than the average band D council taxpayers in England but they are also heading towards having the highest council tax charges in England and Wales despite being, arguably, the poorest area in the UK. You ought to hang your head in shame, Minister!

Terry Glover Kingfield Ebbw Vale