I'm also a brit, who served in the forces for 9+ years, and I agree with fuckmuppet 100%. This government who 'wouldnt put up taxes' have increased council tax on an empty property from 50% to 90% of flat rate. that means that I have to pay more for my place when I'm not in it and using the system, than when I'm living in the place. Well I'm voting withmy feet, I'm emigrating to France. Property is cheap, my council tax is £150 a year instead of £1000, and for less than half the average house price in the uk, I'll have two cottages, two barns, two ponds, with fish, an orchard, and 25 acres of arable and woodland, all for £95k. Then theres all the other ripoff taxes, parking, speeding, congestion, road and fuel, I now cant even park in front of my own house or garge without being fined. [Speed ferries do a one way trip for 17 quid at present[april 05] You can rent a place in rural france for 50 quid a week. I've been self employed as a jobbing builder for 25 years, but it costs me £1000 a year for an accountant to do my taxes for me to stop the system from ripping me off. The system protects the freeloaders and punishes the workers. Well thats my gripe for today april 16 05, NOTE; Since this government has been in unemployment has gone UP by 0.6 million and over 1 million manufacturing jobs have been lost. Those re-employed from skilled jobs, what can they say? 'You want large fries with that mate?'