Sir, - Hambleton District Council is imposing parking charges to fund the deficiency they are still creating.

Last Saturday, I and most of my neighbours received two identical letters, post-paid by Hambleton District Council.

The first paragraph stated that the council was participating in an initiative to promote the proper spending of public money.

The purpose of the letter was for the council to be informed if I was dead so that my bus pass could be cancelled to avoid fraud. Surely the council could use their resources in a more positive and constructive way.

I will certainly not be giving them the information they require.

H H DYSON Helmsley Way, Romanby.