FINANCE chiefs in Hyndburn are set to ask the government for more money for the year ahead. Council bosses agreed to speak to MP Greg Pope and try to meet ministers ahead of a final decision on the borough's council tax for 1999/2000.

They will ask for a better settlement to allow increased spending without raising tax above government guidelines.

The borough has been allowed a three per cent spending increase after capping was removed for the first time in eight years - but savings still need to be made.

Speaking at a meeting of the policy and resources committee, council leader George Slynn urged members to wait for Lancashire County Council to rubber stamp its budgets before setting the district's figure.

County bosses will meet tomorrow to agree a council tax rise of around eight per cent. Hyndburn councillors have a range of options but a figure of around 4.5 per cent, in line with government guidelines, is likely.

Any increase above that level could result in a clawback of government subsidies, which would reduce spending.

The final council tax figure, which is calculated alongside the county and Police Authority levels, will be set at full council on March 2.

Councillor Slynn said: "Since we first looked at the budget, the position has worsened and everyone would expect us to make representations to the government.

"It may be that further examination could achieve a better final figure. But we must wait for the final position from county and see what room there is for us to work with."

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