RULING Blackburn with Darwen Labour councillors have been accused of putting up council tax by an inflation-busting 8.9 per cent because it is an election-free year.

Opposition parties accused Labour of making the move so that they can present a low rise next year, when the whole authority is up for re-election after a boundary shake-up.

But both the Lib Dems and the Tories pledged to make sure voters knew exactly who was responsible for the budget.

Coun John Milburn, in charge of resources, said: "In line with most other council we have recommended a level of council tax which is higher than in previous years.

"We are facing a number of major budgetary pressures including, for example, inflation costs, a rise in waste disposal costs, increasing demand for social services and an increase in claims for trips and falls.

"Many other councils have raised their council tax by more than 10 per cent."

People living in a Band D property will now pay £1,072.72 to the council each year, up 8.9 per cent. Add to that the Lancashire Police Authority precept of £87.57, and the average bill will be £1,160.32.

For residents living in a Band A property, the council tax payable to Blackburn with Darwen Council will rise to £715.17, also up 8.9 per cent. The Lancashire Police Authority precept will be £58.38, giving a total of £773.55.

People living in areas of the borough with parish councils -- Eccleshill, Livesey, North Turton, Pleasington, Tockholes, Yate and Pickup Bank -- will pay up to £14 extra on top of that.

The rise in council tax comes despite receiving an extra £12million in government money.

Cuts totalling £3.8million have been found across the council, including reducing Shadsworth Leisure Centre's opening hours, reducing support to schools for things like PE and drama, and closing the Blackburn tourist information centre.

Increases include £750,000 to improve cleanliness around the borough, £150,000 to bring in consultants at three struggling high schools, £1.175million to help improve early years facilities and £500,000 to speed up adaptations to homes of disabled and old people.

And £60,000 has been put to one side to strengthen citizen communication.