COUNCIL tax bills, soon to be dropping through thousands of Warrington's letter boxes, are an average £20 lower than last year.

The unprecedented cut of approximately four per cent coincides with the start of a new Warrington unitary council.

At the same time as the reduction from April 1, spending on key services is to increase by £10 million say council bosses.

Warrington Borough Council leader John Gartside said: "Our belief has always been that local Government reorganisation will provide value for money and an efficient service to the people of Warrington.

"Not only are we able to reduce the council tax rates for 1998-99, we are in the position to meet the Government's pledge to spend more on education.

"We will also be able to provide additional Bank Holiday refuse collections and fulfil our local pledges to Warrington people."

Chief executive Mr Steven Broomhead said the fear that reorganisation would cost more, had been finally put to rest. The savings will be used to fulfil the promise of maintaining high standards of service and where possible to enhance them.

The amounts payable for each tax band in central Warrington and the 18 parishes are given opposite.

The property prices for each band are: A - up to £40,000; B - £40,001 to £52,000; C - £52,001 to £68,000; D - £68,001 to £88,000; E - £88,001 to £120,000; F - £120,001 to £160,000; G - £160,000 to £320,000.

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