I THOUGHT it was an offence to discriminate against a person or persons because of their age, sex, race, religion or because of any form of handicap.

Yet it is, apparently, perfectly acceptable to discriminate against a person solely because of the way they choose to pay their bills.

I refer to the article in the Post on the impudence of a surcharge of £6 to empty a green bin ("Direct debit or it's another six quid", August 23).

Well done Bristol City Council for joining the rest of the let's-make- an-extra-buck-for-nothing companies which impose this iniquitous charge, solely because a person chooses to pay by cash or cheque.

Isn't it about time this lily-livered Government made this practice a punishable offence, as are other discriminatory practices?

Patricia Hunt (Mrs), Stapleton.