RIBBLE Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans has claimed that chancellor Gordon Brown's budget increase in National Insurance could carry a sting in the tail.
He has written to the Chief Executives of Lancashire County, Preston City and Ribble Valley Borough Councils, outlining what the implications will be for ratepayers.
"The chancellor's tax hike will have repercussions beyond a dent in our pay packets," said Mr Evans. "Our local authorities will be faced with an escalation in staff costs which may have to be passed to ratepayers.
"I call upon the Government to recognise that local authorities are faced with extra burdens and costs.
"Mr Brown should tell us what provision has been made to assist them with these costs or does he intend to let this be yet another stealth tax".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article