It would add £42.90 to the typical Band A household bill, which is currently £964.25, and £64.36 to Band D homes which pay £1,446.38 at the moment. The council’s budget will be discussed on Wednesday night at a meeting of the full council.

Cllr Brant said: “We have listened to the voice of the business community who are facing tight cash flow situations.

“The council as a large purchaser of goods and services in the city can help by ensuring that it pays its bills quickly, and we believe that halving the time for cash payments to local businesses from 30 days to 14 days will greatly help.

“The Lib-Dem proposal to increase the times of car parking charges from 6pm to 8pm in the city centre will drive away shoppers and visitors at a vital time.

“We are determined that this ‘tax on customers’ should not proceed.”

Council leader Warren Bradley has previously said of the Lib-Dem budget: “We have worked hard this year to produce a budget addressing the needs of the city at an affordable level for our residents.

“We are making improvements in educational attainment, tackling crime and disorder and increasing the number of residents cared for by social services.”

The Lib-Dems proposals also include creating a 24-7 dog warden service, and the city’s anti-social behaviour units will be strengthened.

davidbartlett