In recent discussions about the inequities of council tax (Letters, 5 March), I am surprised that no one has referred to the almost identical struggles faced by George Lansbury in Poplar, east London, a century ago. The council there was faced with the similar problem of a poor community being expected to pay for the care of those needing help, whom it had in greater numbers than its richer neighbours.
Nottingham has more houses paying low council tax than its richer suburbs, which enjoy the city’s facilities without the pain of paying for them, so a similar rate of tax for each would bring in much less per head in the city. At the same time, the city attracts rough sleepers, and others needing help, from outside.
