TAXPAYERS were faced with the prospect of a jaw-dropping 12.2 per cent rise in council tax at the launch of Bury's budget roadshows this week

But residents were swiftly advised the figure was expected to be nearer 6.2 per cent.

Bury Council's director of finance and e-government, Mr Mike Owen said residents could assume the council tax would rise by around 6.2 per cent, which would bring in £3.1million extra. This would mean a "standstill" budget, after allowing for inflation and other increased costs.

The news of a 6.2 per cent hike was met with gasps from the audience at Whitefield area board, which saw the first of the budget roadshows on Monday (Feb 3).

One woman said: "I am being taken to court because I can't pay my council tax. How am I going to afford it if it goes up even more?"

Another resident offered his sympathies to Bury Council saying they had a "difficult decision" to make. He said: "I must admit that in some ways we have a tatty borough. If we put up the council tax by the minimum 6.2 per cent will we be able to make improvements or will things stay the same? However, if the rise is 12.2 per cent then people will not like it at all.

If Bury was to spend as much as it was allowed under the new Formula Spending Share (FSS), then the tax could jump by 12.2 per cent.

Mr Owen said: "Final decisions about the budget will be made in just over two weeks. Anyone wishing to make a comment about the council tax can do so by contacting us at the town hall."

The amount Bury receives towards spending has gone up by 8.2 per cent, higher than the metropolitan average, to £127.8 million. This comprises Government grant and the borough's share of business rates.

A 6.2 per cent increase would mean bills for Band D properties going up from £970.09 to £1,030.24. Band A householders would pay £686.83, up from £646.73.

The "worst case" scenario of a 12.2 per cent rise would increase Band D bills to £1088.44, and Band A bills to £725.63.

A special budget council meeting will be held on February 26.