POLITICIANS have retreated under public pressure and plan to bring back a free ERIC service as part of their budget proposals.

Last year's unpopular move to charge £15 for the removal of bulky household items led to a public outcry and the creation of eyesores from fly tipping across the peninsula.

Wirral Labour group leader Cllr Steve Foulkes said: "We know the environment matters and we have listened to what local people have said to us. We are able to re-introduce the ERIC service until August when we will have a clearer picture of the waste collection contract. As part of the tendering exercise we will be asking for the new contractors to provide an ERIC service in the costing."

Cllr Foulkes added: "I want to make it clear that everyone in Wirral benefitted by a 0.5% reduction in council tax as a result of the ERIC charges and I don't regret this situation. Hard decisions had to be made.

"This year we have budgetted well; we have listened to the people and responded to the needs of the community."

Council Tax demands, under Labour proposals, are set for a 4.46% hike - almost double the rate of inflation.

The Labour group claim their budget will cost some households an added 70p a week with the majority paying under a pound a week extra.

But the Tory group has accused Labour of delivering an 87% increase in the tax since 1994 - the last time a Tory budget was passed.

Tory leader Cllr Jeff Green said owners of Band B properties - most of whom were on low or fixed incomes - would be hardest hit by having to pay almost £1,000 in council tax.

He said: "They have seen hikes in domestic fuel bills in recent days and now the double whammy from New Labour."

Cllr Foulkes said the proposals were a budget for the future: "We know we are facing growing demands from an elderly and more dependent population and that we have a responsibility to provide for those in our community who most need our support. That is why we are putting in a massive additional investment of £9.3m for next year, which is on top of the £6.7m we put in this year."

An extra £7.6m will be spent on schools in 2006/7 and cash has been earmarked for a heritage fund, a community safety fund to step up security measures for organisations and individuals and a major energy conservations programme across the council. A further £1.3m has been invested in recycling and waste collection.

Cllr Green claimed the Labour budget was a wasted opportunity. "It is a waste," he said, "because no action is being proposed to introduce effective management of the social services budget. The department overspent by £5.3m last year, a further £3.6m this year and is to get another £9m next year.

"The department does critical and valued work but we have to ensure proper accounting procedures and value for money."

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Stuart Kelly commented: "Given the settlement we had from the Government - which was one of the lowest assessments in the country - a 4.5% increase is about what we could realistically expect.

"We are supportive of the investment in schools, recycling and measures proposed for energy efficiency."

The Liberal Democrats have lodged amendments to the Labour budget pressing for further cash to be pumped into improving libraries, community safety initiatives, area forums and the youth service.