HYNDBURN councillors could be set to join other East Lancashire councils in a protest about cuts in the level of central government support for local services.

The motion, put forward by council leader George Slynn, is to be discussed on Thursday at the policy and resources committee.

But he faces tough questions from Conservative group leader Peter Britcliffe over finances.

Coun Slynn's motion calls for councils and MPs across the region to voice their concerns about government cuts amid concerns that local people will have to foot the bill for services like housing, leisure and education through local taxes.

Coun Slynn said: "If nothing changes as a result of our protest these cuts are going to force the council tax to rise across the country.

"The Tories admit cuts in support for local services will force council tax payers to cough up a total of £4 billion over the next three years. They're trying to fund national tax cuts through local tax increases.

"This is a cheap political con trick."

Central government has axed £349,000 in grant support for Hyndburn Council which would mean a 10 per cent rise in council tax to make up the deficit.

Despite all the figures being bandied about, Coun Britcliffe wants some straight answers before he decides which way to vote.

He said: " I want to know if the cuts are due to a reduced borough population or because the council has made so much money from selling off assets like Hyndburn Transport and the Arndale Centre.

"Labour spending plans are never realistic and we have to look at where savings can be made."

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