LABOUR councillors in Blackburn have been accused of electioneering and trying to con voters after agreeing to put up council tax bills by 4.38 per cent.

Councillors met at Blackburn town hall last night where finance boss Coun John Milburn said the rise was: "One of the most positive budget messages ever delivered by the ruling group of this council."

The council proportion of the bill has increased by 2.9 per cent, which is coupled with a 15 per cent rise in policing costs and a new fire authority precept.

Council leader Sir Bill Taylor said the new rates gave residents: "Value for money from a well-run, modern, successful council."

But opposition Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors attacked the budget and the Labour group's track record and accused them of trying to woo voters ahead of a full council election on June 10.

Both opposition groups voted against the budget and questioned the council's high ratings for social services and education.

Lib Dem leader Paul Browne said: "Everyone knows they have been conned and that the Labour group is only doing this because they know all-out elections are coming up in June.

"The people of Darwen and Blackburn will tell you where to go in June and that is not a threat it's a promise."

Coun Michael Lee, the Conservative resources spokesman said the budget was predictable. He added: "It would not take a genius to realise we are in an election year. This time last year I said the labour group would give us a rise in line with inflation after last year's increase which was four times the level of inflation."

Coun Lee also said he had "grave doubts" about the council's three star ratings for its social services and education departments. "Hopefully the electorate will realise the reality of the situation", he added.

Kevin Connor, Lib Dem resources spokesman, said: "I along with Coun Lee predicted the council tax rise would be very much lower than last year's ten per cent rise."