COUNCIL Tax payers have been reassured that they will not have to fork out millions of pounds to pay for Blackburn's new all-purpose council.

The cost to breakaway from Lancashire County Council is more than first expected with town hall chiefs now asking the government for a loan of almost £8 million over four years.

A spokesman said: "It's true that it is more than the the £1.2 million we told the government it would cost for us to go alone but tax payers will not have to make up the difference.

"The government has set aside money for new unitary authorities which we can pay back over a number of years. Council Tax will not go up because of this. We anticipate efficiency savings will more than cover the increased costs, but it could take several years.

"The latest figures also include costs, such as interest payments, which were not included in the original bid."

Meanwhile a major new consultation campaign is underway asking people's views on the council's vision for the future.

They are proposing that the role of the new Blackburn Council should be a supplier and organiser of services; an influencer and representative; a partner and employer and a champion of causes. "This is symbolic of a new start for the the new Blackburn Council," said Councillor Gail Barton, chairman of the town's local government reorganisation committee.

"We want to hear the views of as many people and organisations in Blackburn and Darwen as possible. The values that get adopted by the new council will underpin every aspect of the new services.

"With the help of local people, we can get the values absolutely right and have a council every community in the borough can be proud of."

Anyone interested in finding out more and who wishes to reserve a free copy of the council's proposals can telephone Rob Mitchell on 585617.

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