The West Lancs Conservative Group has taken the unprecedented step of sending a copy of their alternative Budget to all members of the Council ahead of Wednesday's Council Meeting.

It's in a last ditch effort to stop Labour imposing their planned £30 charge for Green Waste and their usual increase in council tax.

The Conservative Budget demonstrates how the books can be balanced without increasing council tax, charging for green waste collections and making cuts to important frontline services.

Cllr. David Whittington, the Conservative finance spokesperson, told QLocal this morning: "Labour have already agreed to impose a yearly charge of £30 for green waste collections and are likely to increase council tax by up to 1.99% both of which are unnecessary for a balanced budget."

Added Cllr. David Westley, Conservative Leader: "We are prepared to meet with the Labour members to discuss our proposals and seek to agree a Budget that has cross party support.

"However, I fear this is the same old Labour Party that can never do anything but slash frontline services and charge more. I appreciate that Labour continue to be distracted by their internal party squabbling over Corbyn's leadership and Brexit but it is inexcusable that they have failed to come up with any ideas or initiatives to improve the efficiency of the Council.

"The previous Conservative Administration, by working in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Wigan Council together with improved efficiency, saved well over £5m or 35% of the annual budget while at the same time preserving frontline services.

The £30 charge for Green Waste Collections is a regressive measure as it takes no account of a homeowner's ability to pay. It also equates to a massive 16% increase in Council Tax for a Band D property or 21% for someone receiving the single occupant discount.

"Why did Labour bother to go through a costly public consultation exercise and then completely ignore the overwhelming 83% who voted were opposed to the charge?"