Budget changes proposed by Gordon Brown could add 7.2 per cent to Swindon's council tax bill.

This was the claim made today by council Conservative group leader Councillor Mike Bawden (Old Town & Lawns).

He is referring to forecasts contained in the Chancellor's pre-budget report which he says will add £17.8bn to the amount local authorities will have to raise through council tax next year.

He said: "These figures show just how manipulative and hypocritical the Labour government is.

"Inflation is running at two per cent yet the Chancellor expects councils to increase council tax by 7.2 per cent.

"We should remember that earlier this year the Labour group increased council tax by 15 per cent."

His comments come as Swindon Council sent out 500 questionnaires to schools, charities and other bodies involved in council services.

The results of this survey will be taken into consideration when the council cabinet meets on December 11 to agree a draft budget.

Next week the Government is expected to announce its Standard Spending Assessment.

The SSA is the figure allotted from central Government to pay for local council services.

This more than anything else will decide the level of next year's council tax because it accounts for some three quarters of council expenditure.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson said, "Yet again the Labour Government are planning to divert money away from Swindon Council.  This leaves us facing yet further unacceptable Council Tax hikes, without any improvement to services.  With two Labour MP's and a Labour Council, there can be no excuse, Labour are failing to represent the people of Swindon."