Taxation is a necessary evil even when it is justified. Many licences are logical because their payment, like car licences, ensures service to licence holders including police protection. Other licences are a form of taxation when not justified such as that for private swimming pools.

One does not pay a licence fee on one’s own house. The contents of private properties might include a collection of rare paintings, antique furniture, stamp albums and so on. All these are acquired by personal labour, thriftiness and by one’s wisdom of using earned money.

A swimming pool, like a terrace, a garden, a veranda or a penthouse, is constructed privately within the confines of the home.

A pool is health giving through physical exercise. It gives pleasure to children. Like a home, a painting and antiques, it is a labour of love that costs a fortune. So why does the Malta Resources Authority resort to discrimination between one possession and another? An annual licence fee of €228 is unjustified. Constant reminders for delayed payments is harassment and a source of worry. Ironically the MRA provides no service at all. So the cost of a licence is illogical and unjustified.

In its generosity the MRA suggests a solution: ‘Request not to pay licence fees should be supported by an architect’s declaration’ provided it is drained of water.” This means the pool will crack in no time, turning it into an eyesore.

Nobody in his right mind will fall for a Hobson’s choice for it is no choice at all. Therefore the cost of the licence is glaringly illogical, unjustified, discriminatory and spiteful.

To make right what is wrong is the art of perfecting democratic principles.