THE merger of three East Lancashire authorities would not itself force up council tax bills, the chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen has claimed.

In a submission to the Boundary Commission, Philip Watson has assured residents they will not pay more if the borough joins with Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

The merger has been put forward by Blackburn with Darwen as its preferred option.

Mr Watson said: "As part of the development of our submission we have assessed the spending levels of the neighbouring district authorities affected by our proposal.

"We are confident that our option will create a financially stable local authority capable of delivering improved services with, at worst, neutral impact on existing council tax levels."

Councils have been asked to submit proposals on a local government reorganisation ahead of a referendum in 2004.

Hyndburn and Ribble Valley have said they would prefer to keep the status quo, but have drawn up alternatives to the current system.

Hyndburn prefers a merger with Ribble Valley, which said it would expand by taking parts of neighbouring boroughs.

Lancashire County said it would replace district authorities with a new Lancashire Council.

The Government has said county and borough councils will be replaced by unitary authorities, if voters opt for a North West regional assembly.

Lancashire said its plans would offer voters the cheapest and most effective option, but its preferred choice was to keep things the way they are.

But leader of Hyndburn Council Peter Britcliffe criticised Blackburn's claims. He said: "No one knows how much it would cost."

Ribble Valley Council leader Chris Holtom said he was sceptical. He added: "I know they would probably start out with that ambition but I don't think it is realistic."