WYRE'S council tax could rise by nine per cent in 2003/4 a council spokesman said on Tuesday.

The borough council's cabinet will consider the council budget and council tax, including a proposed 9.32 per cent rise, next Tuesday (February 25) and the full council will then consider the cabinet's decision on March 6.

The expected rise has been blamed largely on the Police Authority increasing their share of the council tax by 18.56 per cent and Lancashire County Council increasing their share by 9.46 per cent.