A BURNLEY councillor has failed in her bid to get more cash spent in areas of Burnley that do not benefit from external funding.

Coun Margaret Lishman said many of the inner wards in Burnley would be benefiting from Government and European money, such as East Lancashire Elevate, for housing renewal and the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB).

But she claims the outer, less deprived wards, such as her own Briercliffe ward, which would never be eligible for such funding, were missing out.

At a meeting of the full council last night, Coun Lishman called on members to back a motion to consider targeting money raised through the council tax in the 2004/2005 budget at those areas.

She said: "Let's try and be flexible, within acceptable financial practice and target money at those areas that will never be eligible for any money from elsewhere.

"That way we as a council can be sure all areas benefit and no one feels that their needs are not being considered.

"Change the mind-set, be creative, benefit the whole of Burnley, and let's begin to see a united borough, where we all feel that we count."

Support for the motion came from Conservative leader, Coun Peter Doyle.

He said: "The point and the sentiment of the motion is to ensure fairness across the borough, or at least the perception that this council is being fair.

"Residents in the outer areas of Burnley, who receive very little other than the basic services, but pay the most, feel they are not dealt with fairly."

But Coun Doyle asked for the motion to be amended to state that it would not lead to an increase in council tax. Labour councillors, however, voted against the motion, which they said was "wishy washy."

Labour leader, Coun Stuart Caddy, said: "This is about an increase in the council tax to provide what you are trying to implement.

"We spend £15.6million to provide services for everyone in the borough.

"Next year we are facing a £700,000 deficit within these services and you are asking us to try and increase the council tax to release more resources generated by the council tax."

Speaking after the meeting he said: "I wish to make it clear to everyone across the borough our commitment is that we shall look at every opportunity to spread capital resources fairly across the borough, subject to agreed priorities that are discussed openly by councillors throughout the budget process."

The motion was lost by 21 votes to 17.