ALARM bells are already ringing in town hall offices over Government cash plans for next year.

Council officers and councillors in Pendle fear that once again the message will be "pay more for less" leading to another round of belt-tightening when it comes to spending on local services.

"We will be pleased if the Government goes ahead with more money for the Health Service and more money for education," said Councillor Tony Greaves, deputy leader of the council.

"They are both vital services that have been starved of cash in recent years.

"But it won't help Pendle, and it must not be at the expense of ordinary district council services as it was last year.

"Nor must it be paid for by increases in Pendle's Council Tax, as it was last year." This year, the council was not allowed to spend a penny more than in 1995 but the Council Tax went up because Government grant to the area was cut and taxpayers had to make up the difference.

"All the signs are that the Government is going to do the same again this year," added Coun Greaves.

"They are taking away money they give to councils like Pendle in order to spend it somewhere else, and bring in their cynical pre-election tax cuts."

Pendle, which plans ahead for its finances, has already saved the £800,000 it expects to need to stand still next year.

"We do not expect to have to slash Pendle's services and there should be some improvements," said Coun Greaves.

"But we do not expect to be allowed to spend a penny more than this year.

"If our Council Tax goes up every penny of the increase will just go to central Government."

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