SPECTRE of a 10 per cent hike in house tax looms large in the New Year, despite cuts in Wirral Council spending.

Calls by both the Conservatives and Lib Dems for 'proper consultation' drew a blank from the controlling Labour Group, at the last meeting of Wirral Council.

They put off debate until the New Year, the budget council meeting being on March 2. Tory leader Coun John Hale (Hoylake) unsuccessfully moved: "The Council notes 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."

Lib Dem leader Coun GIlchrist (Eastham) wanted more committee debate, especicially on social services 'where the proposals impact on disadvantaged groups'.

Wirral's chief executive Alan White reported a 6.2 per cent increase in revenue from 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.

Hard hit by cuts will be education and overspent social services. Labour says the £2.7m cuts need to be made as soon as possible to maintain tight financial discipline. They warned that cuts would have to be made early otherwise Council Tax would have to go up further.

Council should know all the final figures by February when levies are received from Merseytravel and waste disposal.

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.

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