OUR public finances are in a mess. Oxfordshire County Council predicts that its share of the council tax could rise by 17 per cent next April. District councils have also warned of sharp increases.

Now Thames Valley Police have added to the gloom by suggesting that they could put up their charges by 40 per cent to stand still, and 50 per cent if they wish to improve services.

Much of the blame can be laid at the Government's door.

Ministers have indicated that they plan to switch grant money away from the so-called rich counties like Oxfordshire to deprived areas of the North.

What is clear is that Oxfordshire and other counties in the south are getting a raw deal - and the situation shows no sign of improving.

It is time for a good, hard look at the way we fund our local services.

It is all very well for the Government to pass laws and set targets. But without the money to support the extra work, it is the council taxpayer who increasingly has to foot the bill.