PENDLE Council has agreed a budget which will result in a council tax rise of 4.95% - meaning an increase of 14p a week for Band A properties.

The figures were agreed at a special meeting of the council. Liberal Democrats voted in favour, the sole BNP councillor - Brian Parker - voted against, and the Conservative and Labour members abstained despite having voiced opposition to the proposals.

Council Leader Alan Davies said the budget would make Pendle “cleaner, greener and safer, healthier and wealthier with a sporting twist”, and would be more responsive to local communities.

He added: “I am delighted to report that, quite uniquely, and through careful and prudent management, I am able to produce a budget where Pendle Council commences the year as a virtual debt-free zone.

“Debt has been reduced from around £22m. to almost zero. Some of this is, of course, due to the housing stock transfer, but £7m. is also due to the good housekeeping and excellent financial management of this administration.”

But Conservative spokeswoman Coun. Linda Crossley described it as “a sad little budget” and said: “A five per cent increase on our council tax – well above the rate of inflation, well above the percentage increase pensioners will get in their pensions, well above the cost of living increases some workers will get. An additional burden on the pensioners and lower paid. And providing very little in return.”

And Labour leader Coun. Mohammed Iqbal said: “In reality, there has been no improvement to the lives of the people of Pendle.” He went on: “The voters of Pe ndle won’t be bullied and they will hammer the Lib-Dems this year in the elections.”

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