Southampton City Council has again applied the maximum allowable council tax increase but still encourages shortcuts during bin collections.

Having complained about the bin-men tipping a previous neighbour’s rubbish (including cat food, used cat litter and cigarette ends) into my bin the practice continues.

Despite the obvious health, hygiene and safety aspects the council allows this on the basis that it “makes the job easier”.

In my view, the wheelie-bins should be emptied in the manner in which they were designed.

GEORGE CLEGG, Southampton.