WIRRAL councillors get a chance to number crunch after statements of accounts were presented to a policy and resources committee.

The spectre of a 10 per cent hike in house tax still looms large, despite council cuts in spending. Conservative leader Coun. John Hale (Hoylake) has already warned 'that as a result of local government settlements, the people of Wirral face a 10 per cent increase in Council Tax, together with proposed cuts of over £3.6m in services.'

In Cheshire there are fears of a record £100 Council Tax rise for a typical household, blamed on Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong's lack of financial support.

Wirral's Chief Executive Alan White reported a 6.2 per cent increase in revenue from the Government, but warned that the council would have to make savings of £2.7m on its projected budget to comply with capping. This assumed an estimated 9.8 per cent rise in Council Tax.

The controlling Labour group is making cuts in council spending, warning that cuts have to be made early, otherwise Council Tax would have to go up further. The number crunching will continue as levies are received from Merseytravel and Waste Disposal.

Included among the many pages of figures and estimates being circulated among councillors is a management letter to them. It contains some interesting facts:

Wirral employs approximately 3,700 white collar staff at a cost of £60m.

Percentage of Council Tax collected in 1995/96 stood at 93.6 per cent, slightly below the average of 94.4 per cent, but in 1996/97 there was further improvement to 94.6 per cent.

Social Services budget must continue to be closely monitored and a robust budget set for 98/99.

Housing rent arrears have fallen significantly and are now about £1.8m.

Over half of Wirral's taxed dwellings are in A Band, up to £40,000 in value, and face a tax of £628, up from £572. In contrast a Band F property, worth £120,000 to £160,000, would be taxed at £1,360, an increase of just over £120, with all bands increasing proportionally.

The final figure for house tax will be presented to next month's Budget meeting of the council.

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