ÔIS It Fair?Õ council tax campaigners have been out on the streets of East Hampshire this week, rallying support for a public meeting which, they hope, will act as a trigger for united and massive public protest.

Scheduled for Monday, March 3, in Holybourne, the aim is to rally opposition to huge hikes in council tax brought about by central government proposals to channel more money to the north of the country at the expense of the south.

To be chaired by retired Alton engineer,Clive Hutton, the meeting will be addressed by leader of Hampshire County Council, Ken Thornber, and leader of East Hampshire District Council, Elizabeth Cartwright, and will be followed by a question and answer session.

Mr Hutton was in Alton on Tuesday distributing ÔIs It Fair?Õ leaflets which invite people to answer five simple questions, do they want:

To pay 15 per cent more council tax this year than last year?

Council tax to rise by an additional 15 per cent next year?

Council tax bills to double over the next five years?

Part of the grant HCC should get from central government to be sent north?

To pay more council tax to HCC than most other councils in the UK?

If the answer is ÔnoÕ there is an open invitation to attend the ÔIs It FairÕ (campaign for fair distribution of council tax grants) public meeting in Holybourne and add weight to the swell of public opposition which, says Mr Hutton, appears to be increasing across the country.

ÒOur aim is to get together with other groups because collectively we can become a voice to be heard,Ó said Mr Hutton. He has pinned his colours to the ÔIs It FairÕ banner because he is fed up with paying council tax which escalates, year after year, above the rate of inflation, and for deteriorating services.

ÒWith typical British apathy we just sit back and accept the situation whereas if we were French we would be manning blockades and burning bonfires in the streets.

ÒI do, however, detect a mood of change, I think people have had enough,Ó said Mr Hutton who believes the time has come for people to join forces and make a stand.

ÒThe problem is not just the 15 per cent increase in council tax we are having to face this year but the 15 per cent next year and the year after.

ÒThis is going to mean an extra £250 out of taxed income which means that is double taxation,Ó points out Mr Hutton who is concerned also that, not only is it an Òiniquitous tax which takes no account of ones ability to payÓ but this yearÕs hike will be hard to find for pensioners like himself.

ÒIt is money which I will have to take out of my savings and I am not in a position to replace it,Ó he said.

The ÔIs It Fair?Õ council tax meeting will start at 8pm on Monday, March 3, at Holybourne Theatre, London Road, Holybourne.

Details of the ÔIs It Fair?Õ campaign can be found on the web site address at http://www.isitfair.co.uk">www.isitfair.co.uk or people can e-mail to [email protected]">[email protected]