THE government has been told to stump up more cash for Lancashire County Council and ease the burden on hard-pressed council tax-payers.

Local MP Peter Pike tackled Minister Christopher Leslie on the issue in the Commons. The Labour backbencher, who represents Burnley, said the 4.8 per cent increase in government grant to the County was inadequate.

He said that unless six per cent, or more, is given to Lancashire from Whitehall services will have to be cut or the council tax increased too much.

But the Local Government Minister dismissed the appeal from the Burnley MP. Mr Pike intervened during Commons questions this week after Fylde Tory MP Michael Jack tackled Mr Leslie on the issue.

Mr Jack said claims by the government that Lancashire had enough Whitehall grant and the level of council tax was a matter for the county council were "complacent''. He demanded a "cogent explanation'' of why Lancashire people faced a council tax increase three times the rate of inflation.

Mr Pike asked Mr Leslie: "Do you accept that Lancashire County Council is clearly saying that 4.8 per cent is not sufficient and that it has had a raw deal in comparison with other shire county councils? It will either have to cut services or to make an unacceptably high council tax increase.''

Mr Leslie said: "There can be very few excuses for excessive council tax rises. In the context of the history of local government settlements, 4.8 per cent for Lancashire is very generous indeed -- well above the rate of inflation.''

Mr Pike said afterwards: "Lancashire needed at least a six per cent increase. A delegation from the County met with Ministers in London about this matter last week. They have my full backing.''