Commissioner Selwood extolled the virtues of TCC's rubbish collection system (The Weekend Sun, August 13), but chose not to discuss whether this system was fair to ratepayers.

Unfortunately this omission has devalued his opinion piece. Perhaps he could explain through The Weekend Sun what his views are on the subject of user-pays and indicate to readers whether he is working for the conversion of the current system into a fair user-pays system, similar to that which other councils have adopted.

Many ratepayers would welcome a clear timetable for the adoption of a fair user-pays system that would be an incentive for all ratepayers to reduce rubbish and would not penalise small households, the frugal, the sober and the responsible.

Interestingly, Commissioner Tolley has commented that she is concerned for pensioners who are struggling to pay the new high level of rates that the Commissioners have imposed; this may be the case, but it would seem unlikely given that most pensioners are being forced to pay an exorbitant and disproportionate price for their rubbish collection.

R.Rimmer, Tauranga.