GO AWAY and look again at the figures. That was the message from local government minister Nick Raynsford who met with Shepway District Council representatives today to discuss the proposed council tax rise of 39 per cent.

In what is believed to be the largest increase in the country, Shepway District Council's proportion of the bill will mean an extra £67.40 a year for the average household.

The annual bill for a Band D property will be £1,247.04. Shepway District Council will keep £240.30 of that for its own needs, a weekly increase of £1.30 on last year.

Deputy leader Paul Marsh said the Liberal Democrat administration would first look at rescheduling some activities to cut costs, but told the Kentish Express newspaper it was then inevitable they would have to turn to the provision of services.

There will now be a special meeting of the cabinet on Friday and a full council meeting next week to discuss making changes to the budget.