I have just received a missive from our wonderful Brighton and Hove City Council informing me they will only collect my rubbish in future if it is placed at the very edge of my property.

Yet another example of declining services while council tax rises at three times the rate of inflation.

Tell you what, I'll make them an offer - I will struggle down my steep steps to be a good citizen and place my rubbish at the edge of my property if they will stop awarding themselves vast increases in salary and expenses and stop riding around in taxis when we have a perfectly adequate bus network.

-Tony Booker, Brighton