Council Tax bills could again soar over the rate of inflation, according to early predictions.

Last year's 5.8 per cent increase could shoot up to six per cent, leaving people in band D properties with bills rocketing from £887 to £941 a year.

But predictions for the following two years are 3.5 and 2.9 per cent respectively.

The forecasts by Bradford Council's Director of Finance, Steve Morris, take into account anticipated pay awards, an increase in the landfill tax and a rise in employers' contributions to the local government pension.

The Council's budget for next year is expected to be £583.3 million, rising to £616.3 million the following year and £639.3 million from 2006-7.

Nationally, the Government estimates Council Tax increases of 4.5, 4.8 and 4.1 per cent in the three years respectively.

But Mr Morris said implementing the Government's increases would mean budget cuts for the Council over the three years of £1.8 million, £200,000 and £1.4 million.

Today the Council's executive member for the economy, Simon Cooke, who is also deputy Council leader, said they were "very early" predictions and the Council had still not received details about changes next year in allocations and what support they could expect from the Government.

But Coun Cooke said he wanted the Council to switch to a system where it fixed the maximum and minimum Council Tax it was prepared to set at a fairly early stage.

He said: "I would like it to be a lot firmer than it is now.

"One or two other local authorities, including Birmingham, have done this. It would help the Council and the public and put an end to the political posturing which always takes place around the Council Tax."

Labour executive committee member Amir Hussain said his group did not believe above-inflation tax rises were necessary if the Council was managing its budget prudently.

Liberal Democrat group leader Jeanette Sunderland said they would stick to their pledge to make education and extra funding for the needs of elderly people a priority.

Green group member David Ford, said: "Whatever the level of the Council Tax, the people of Bradford should receive good value for money and services which are second to none."