LABOUR today entered the political battle over the final details of Kirklees Council's budget for next year.
Party leaders unveiled a plan which would keep the council tax rise down to 3%, matching the Tory administration's proposal.
Labour is dangling in front of voters the possibility of no further inflation- busting increases for three years.
Clr Mehboob Khan, the group's leader, said: "A decade of generous grant settlements from the Government means that council tax rises can be pegged to the current rate for inflation for at least the next three years.
Labour agrees with the Tories that there should be a freeze on council tax rises for pensioners.
Labour's spending plans include £17m for better care services for older people.
Labour added it would abolish plans to go to a fortnightly rubbish bin collection.
Clr Khan said: "The major difference between our plans and the other parties is that we will also cut wasteful bureaucracy and increase efficiency targets to invest more in essential services.
"Areas that will benefit from investment will be improved care services for older people and the environment."
Councillors are due to decide the tax level and spending plans at a special meeting on Wednesday, February 28.
Tories have taken on the running of Kirklees's Cabinet after the council was left with no overall political control at last year's elections.
The Tories have 21 seats, Labour and the Liberal Democrats 20 each and the Greens and BNP three each. There are two independents.
Further amounts are added to the tax bill by the police and fire authorities and parish councils.
Clr Khan said: "This year many older people have had care services cut and this has affected the quality of their lives.
"Older people have paid taxes all their working lives and Labour councillors believe they are entitled to high-quality care provided by the council and not for profit by the private sector."
