HYNDBURN'S ruling Tories have been told: "Don't electioneer with council tax."

The warning came ahead of a crucial meeting this week which will determine the size of the council tax bills which will drop onto ratepayers' doormats in the new financial year.

Householders face a recommended rise of 7.7 per cent -- but council leader Peter Britcliffe said today: "We have promised to implement one of the lowest rises in the region and I'll be recommending efficiency savings to bring us in under six per cent."

Blackburn with Darwen Council has just set one of the lowest rises in the country at 4.5 per cent, while Ribble Valley ratepayers face a hike of six per cent.

In Burnley, the increase is 7.7 per cent.

Labour leader Councillor Ian Ormerod said: "I hope the Tories do not go for short-term electoral gain and long-term misery.

"There is no comparison between Hyndburn and places like Ribble Valley.

"Most houses here are in a low band and just do not produce the revenue."

Recommended extra costs to the council include £56,000 for a green waste pilot scheme, which it must set up after the Government set statutory targets for recycling, and £7,000 for an independent taxi survey to find out if Hyndburn can legally continue to restrict the number of licences it issues.

Councillors must also find an extra £28,000 for local Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. A three-day party is promised in Oakhill Park.

A 7.7 per cent council tax rise would mean the occupant of an average band D property would pay £1,106.