Rising council tax bills are proving to be an ever-increasing burden to many.

So it makes sense that we should take every step to reduce the demands, particularly on those facing hardship.

The idea that discounts on second homes should be reduced should be supported. Those who can afford a second home should be prepared to pay the full cost of services, not expect to be subsidised by the less well-off.

The Government also has plenty of explaining to do over its stance on council tax rises.

For months, it has argued that it has given enough money to local authorities for increases to be kept to reasonable levels.

Councils have claimed that the amount of money they received was far below what they needed to maintain services, let alone improve them.

Now the Audit Commission has come down firmly in the councils' favour.

We hope the Government will swallow its pride and make sure local government is properly funded.

After a 13.4 per cent rise in council tax this year, Oxfordshire County Council hopes to keep next year's increase to below nine per cent, but that is still more than three times the rate of inflation.

Council taxpayers deserve a better deal from Whitehall.