ST HELENS Council leader Marie Rimmer has said any possible rise in Council Tax will be kept to a minimum, despite a shortfall of £1.6 million in lost government grants.
Cllr Rimmer has written to government ministers asking them to reconsider technical changes in next year's budget, which has cost St Helens the cash windfall.
The annual cash settlement from the government sets the basis on which authorities set Council Tax levels.
However, Cllr Rimmer welcomed news that the St Helens settlement was the highest on Merseyside, adding: "Historically we have lost millions in grant over many years so it is gratifying to note that this Government has taken on board our lobbying over the years."
Although the settlement will mean that the council will receive £1.6 million less than the national average, Cllr Rimmer pledged that they would strive to maintain key services to the public, whilst keeping Council Tax levels down.
She added: "That task becomes increasingly challenging when taking on additional responsibilities of public health and community safety."
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