BOLTON'S Council tax rise is looking to be below the national average, despite being almost three times the rate of inflation, a survey has revealed.

As the bills go out this spring, the tax for a typical Band D house in English towns and cities will top £1,000 for the first time.

If Bolton's five per increase is rubber-stamped by councillors in February this figure will be just below that at £978.

Figures show the average rise is likely to be more than eight per cent, where inflation is just 1.9 per cent, but the final figure could be even higher.

But other estimates, where Scotland and Wales are included, are coming out at a national average of 5.5 per cent.

In the metropolitan councils, such as Bolton, where council tax is highest, average Band F properties will break £1,500, but are set to stay just below that here at £1,413.

Many councils are finding themselves forced to make a stark choice between imposing higher bills or cutting services.

But they blame the Government and say they are not getting enough cash for vital services such as homes for the elderly.

Plunging interest rates have also added to their woes.

Bolton Council leader Bob Howarth said 50 per cent of the town's houses are in Band A, and the rise will only be around 60p a week.

He added: "There is also a test of people's ability to pay and benefits for those who can't."

But Bolton's deputy Tory Leader, Cllr John Walsh, says it is still far too high because inflation is less than two per cent and the Government has cut back on grant.

The Local Government Association, which is labour controlled, blames lack of cash for social services and "ring fencing" money that can only be spent on one thing, for the hikes. HOW WE COMPARE

London is expected to see an average five per cent increase in line with the year-on-year rises experienced over the last four years, according to the Association of London Government.

No change is expected from Liverpool City Council or Redcar and Cleveland Borough where attempts are being made to freeze their current respective £1,171.51 and £1,071.85 Band D bills.

Residents of Christchurch Borough Council in Dorset look set to receive a 55 per cent increase, the highest proposed by any council. It raises the Band D tax from £86.30 to £134. This was a backlash to a three-year policy to peg down council tax at current levels which has been thwarted falling interest rates and the need to pay for extra services imposed upon them.

A 10pc increase was predicted in Lincoln taking bills up to £739.48 and in Teignbridge, Devon, raising it to £115.54.

The same level of increase has been proposed for Scarborough District Council and Yorkshire County Council taking estimated bills to £145.97 and £733.37 respectively.

Newcastle, Southhampton, Northumberland and Malvern Hills look set to rise 7.5pc. Warwickshire, Cotswold, and Essex authorities oppose a 10 pc rise. Ipswich, West Dorset and Cambridgeshire expect an above nine per cent increase. And Dudley, Harrow , Milton Keynes and Stockport propose a six per cent rise. BOLTON

A council tax increase of five per cent, if finalised, would mean homes in Bolton in band A -- which 54 per cent of the town's houses fall into -- who currently pay £652 will pay £685.

Band B will rise from £761 to £799; Band C will rise from £869 from £912; Band D will rise from £978 to £1027; Band E will rise from £1196 to £1255; Band F will rise from £1413 to £1483; Band G will rise from £1630 to £1712; and Band H will rise from £1956 to £2054 a year.

In the last five years there has been a total increase in council tax of 21 per cent.

In 1988/99 Band A cost £564, Band B was £658, Band C £751, Band D £845, Band E was £1,033, Band F £1,221, Band G £1,409 and Band H £1,691.