Three options are open to NCC with council tax for the next three years: No change, Decrease or Increase above 2.5%, 1% increase equates to £1.6 million, note this year 2012/13 the government have offered funding to freeze council tax levels. That is what has been stated by the Executive Member for Corporate Resources Councillor Andrew Tebbutt, now i doubt NCC will have no change or a decrease, so whats left? But i completely agree with you Malcolm why pay twice? you don't go to a garage to fill up your car and say, "pump number 3," then, "that will be £20," and then get, "another £20 please," for your fuel.