PRESTON Council's committees are being told an extra £500,000 is being made available to spend, thanks to 'prudent money management over the past year.

Councillor Ian Hall, finance sub-committee chairman, said a new culture of money management had descended on the town hall and he was optimistic about the future now that the council's budget was finally under control.

Following savings of more than £1 million, members of the committees are being told that £500,000 is up for grabs.

The three main political parties are due to put forward various projects today (Thursday) at a special meeting of the council.

Coun Hall said: "The Labour group has suggestions as to how the money should be allocated which we feel will have a direct impact on the community.

"We expect other groups to have other priorities and these will be discussed."

Councillors were also expected to approve a rise in council tax, will which mean an extra £65 on an average Band D property in unparished areas, pushing the annual fee up to £958.52.

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