City gas price wrangle.

Council is looking to slash the near pounds 10 million gas bill for its hundreds of schools and municipal buildings following a huge price hike.

The council's controlling Cabinet meets on Septem-ber 11 to decide whether to seek a new gas supplier.

Its current one-year deal with Eon expires at the end of next month. But the volatile nature of the energy market means any new contract will cost around pounds 9.6 million a year - a 21 per cent rise on current levels.

Given the rising prices, the Cabinet will seek to ensure that it obtains best value, and consider the option of inviting interested suppliers to quote for one, two and three-year deals.

Any new contract would take effect from October 1.

Coun Paul Tilsley, deputy council leader, said: "Our current gas supply deal has the option to be extended for a second year, but it is vital to encourage competition and demonstrate our commitment to spending taxpayers money wisely.

"Opening up the process to any interested supplier will give them all an incentive to come up with a deal that seems most attractive to us."