COUNCIL tax bills look set to go up by ten per cent in Pendle and Burnley - but not a single penny of the increase will be spent by our town halls.

The increase, announced at the same time as a likely two per cent rise in council house rents, will help pay for services provided by the county council.

Education is expected to benefit most.

The standstill in local spending is because, despite pleas to the contrary, Burnley and Pendle councils have remained firmly capped in the amount they are allowed to spend. It is the sixth cash freeze in succession.

Burnley's limit stays at £12.1 million and Pendle's at £10.2 million.

Money needed by the county council accounts for 80 per cent of the council tax bills which will start arriving in April.

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