THE Valuation Office Agency recently wrote to me, upping the charging rate on my flat to Band D. This sets the valuation of my property for council tax purposes.

They say that the increased valuation is based on property values in 1991. Since my flat did not exist in 1991,this would seem to be quite bizarre and impossible to challenge.

Since BCP Council has been formed,our helpful council tax office in Poole has been closed.

Visiting the Bournemouth Council offices and trying to pay by debit card is an experience that Franz Kafka would have described only too well.

Richard Durrant

The Quay,

Poole