Responding to the Government's grant settlement for local authorities, West Lancashire Conservative Group finance spokesman Cllr David Westley said: "When Conservatives took control of West Lancashire in 2002, we inherited a council left in debt by the previous Labour administration. Since then, we have paid off the debt whilst keeping Council Tax below inflation.
"Our responsible management of the Council finances mean that, unlike neighbouring Labour-run authorities such as Knowsley, Liverpool and St Helens who have seen greater reductions in their estimated revenue spending power, we have protected taxpayers and have managed to secure a better settlement for West Lancashire.
"Labour's legacy of debt means the Government has to make tough choices. But unlike the West Lancs Labour Party, we have no intention of hiking up Council Tax by 15% to pay for their economic mismanagement. Instead, we shall tighten our belts and find better ways of delivering services."