COUNCIL tax in Maidstone could increase by 7.7 per cent next year. The rise will help meet the projected shortfall in the amount of money needed by the borough council for various improvement and development schemes.

Members of the council's cabinet have been told an increase of £4.74 on the average annual bill would generate £256,000 for major schemes set out in the provisional budget strategy.

Cabinet members are determined to press ahead with a comprehensive list of proposed schemes, despite the lower-than expected Government grant of £8.4million for the next financial year.

Among the schemes listed are improvements to disabled access in the borough, upgrading the Hazlitt Theatre and improvements to Maidstone Leisure Centre.

Council tax levels will not be agreed until March when the council has finalised its budget strategy for the next financial year.

To help generate more income, cabinet members have approved a change in the payment date for council tax instalments.

As of April 2002, payments will be made at the beginning of the month rather than the end. This will generate an estimated £100,000 more interest in revenue every month.

The change will require taxpayers to fund two instalments in a month when the transition is made.

BLOB Maidstone council is to write a formal letter of complaint to the Government following the announcement of the borough's grant for the next financial year.