Madam,

I would like to address county council leader Ellen ap Gwynn and the councillors of Aberystwyth who voted in the latest council tax increase of seven per cent.

Let me tell you about my situation. Year after year, they put my council tax up and each year I have to find that money from somewhere. My income does not go up, so each year I have to economise on something.

For 2018/19 by the time I have put away money for bills, including council tax, I am left with the grand total of £10 a week for shopping.

Yes, £10 a week for a whole week’s shop!

This year I have been freezing in my own home as I can only afford to put my gas fire on for two hours a day. I am not entitled to benefits or council reductions of any kind and to say I am on a low income is an understatement.

So where do I find the extra money to pay my council tax this year? If I don’t pay the council will take me to court, fine me and I will have a criminal record and still have to pay the council debt.

The only advice the council is giving out is, if you are struggling to pay your council tax, is that there are discounts and reduction schemes to help those in need, but there are people like myself who are simply not entitled to these.

The council needs to recognise that is it pushing people into poverty by putting up the council tax. While Mrs ap Gwynn and the councillors who voted in the increase for 2019/2020 are sitting in their nice, warm homes, eating their evening meal tonight and for the next year, they should spare a thought for me and people like me, who will be cold and unable to afford a hot meal in the evening.

The councillors who voted for the increase should be ashamed of themselves.

Yours etc, Name and address supplied.

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