SOUTH Ribble residents are facing a massive 19 per cent increase in their council tax.

Councillors were disappointed not to get a bigger grant from the Government and now face increased responsibility for extra services which will push the council tax levels up.

The final decision was discussed at a full council meeting last night and the budget for 2003 was announced today (Thursday).

The majority of households in the borough fall between bands A to C and they will be paying 23p a week extra.

The will be a rise of about 48p per week for a property in band D.

The new banding figures for 2003/2004 are as follows: Band A £787.65; Band B £918.93; Band C £1050.20; Band D £1181.48; Band E £1444.03; Band F £1706.58; Band G £1969.13; Band H £2362.96.

Labour leader of the council, Howard Gore said: "These figures were arrived at by the hard work of officers and members and a lot of soul searching. People have to remember this is a hung council with Labour having 20 of the 54 seats.

"If we hadn't raised council tax we would have had to cut services and for the extra pence per week I think many people would rather continue to have organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau."

Councillor Gore added, that despite receiving a much improved grant, it had lost by £500,000 due to the new government system.

He said: "We will continue to fight the corner for South Ribble. However it is becoming increasingly difficult when we are having trouble funding our statutory requirements, never mind discretionary spending on areas such as parks and playgrounds."

At a special meeting of Preston City Council councillors agreed on a 6.5 per cent increase on council tax.

The new banding figures for 2003/2004: Band A £ 821.77; Band B £ 958.74; Band C £1095.70; Band D £1232.66; Band E £1506.58; Band F £1780.51; Band G £2054.43; Band H £2465.32.