RECENTLY, on receiving an account from British Gas, I decided to compare it to the one for the same quarter in 2005.

Much to my horror I discovered that even though it was for 48 fewer units, the overall bill came to £46 more.

I also noticed that the early payment scheme introduced by British Gas some time ago, whereby if you paid your account within so many days you then received a prompt payment discount on your next bill has also been abolished.

Surely this was a great incentive to encourage people to pay much more quickly.

I have heard of inflation but this is absolutely ridiculous.

An overall rise like this in 12 months is ludicrous.

MRS L JACKSON, Haslingden Road, Blackburn.