THE DEBATE about York's council tax increase will be resolved when the council's budget meeting is held tonight.

A rise of 9.3 per cent has been on the table since the start of the month, with the council's ruling Liberal Democrat group expected to use its majority to push it through.

But there could still be some late surprises, as the Liberal Democrats met on Friday to discuss possible changes to their proposals.

Council leader Steve Galloway has stayed tight-lipped on what, if any, the changes will be, other than to guarantee there will be no cuts.

The Liberal Democrats are under pressure to deliver a tight budget after being warned they are at risk of being "capped" by the Government.

Local government minister Nick Raynsford has said he expects to see rises of "low single figures."

But Coun Galloway has remained bullish about the prospect of capping.

"It would be absurd to cap the 13th lowest of 352 billing authorities in the country," he has said.

The opposition Labour group is expected to table a series of amendments to the budget tonight , and describe how it could have proposed a lower council tax rise.

The council's two-strong Green group, and its one Independent, Janet Hopton, have yet to say how they will vote in the debate.

Tonight's meeting will be held at The Guildhall from 6.30pm.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, February 24, 2004