THE LEADER of Lancashire County Council, Louise Ellman, said she estimated council taxes could rise between eight and ten per cent following the Budget.

In my view this is a direct consequence of the reckless and irresponsible policies of Michael Heseltine and Michael Portillo.

I am referring to the two separate announcements in August and September that two billion pounds would be given to the arms industry and another 15 billion would go toward the Eurofighter project.

Another word meaning insane could be attributed to these two Michaels.

Ken Butler,

Haston Lee Avenue,

Blackburn.

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