COUNCIL tax payers are forking out £9 million too much to an overstaffed authority claims rates challenger Jim Daniels.

But the men who work out the figures say there is no mix-up and no hidden workforce.

Mr Daniels, of Smallbrook Lane, Leigh believes the tax level is based on outdated housing stock calculations.

After studying figures, which were delivered with his Council Tax bill, he reckons the Council's housing stock numbers and Valuation Office figures vary by some 2,882 homes.

He calculates: "Overcharge in 1995/6 was £6.5 million, in 1996/7 is will be close to £9 million.

"I apprecaite the finance department has a mountain of variables for billing purposes. I have reported the Council to the District Auditor and I have an appointment to see him to discuss this.

"I believe there are 800 'ghost workers' on Wigan's books bleeding Council Tax payers to death and being propped-up at low-paid tax payers' expense."

A spokesman for Wigan Council said:"Mr Daniels has persistently challenged the way the tax base is worked out.

"We have equally persistently tried to explain that he misunderstands the situation.

"The District Auditor has explained to him that the Council explanation has been entire and accurate. So far he is refusing to accept this."

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