LOCAL Government Minister Nick Raynsford has made it clear to civic leaders he is keeping open the option to cap Swindon's council tax.

In a letter he wrote: "I can't give any indication as to whether or not Swindon or any other local authority may be capped.

"We will firstly need to consider actual council tax increases from all local authorities before taking decisions."

Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) requested Mr Raynsford cap the 7.3 per cent rise that has been forced on the administration by a Labour/Liberal Democrat pact. The others have pleaded for it to stick. A decision is due this weekend at the earliest.