COUNCIL tax payers in Teesdale can expect a rise of no more than 4.9 per cent in the coming year.

However, the exact figure has yet to be decided.

At a public meeting this week, head of finance Joanne Kellett said the Government had only increased its grant to the council by four per cent, a £79,707 rise.

However, staffing costs had risen by nearly £200,000 and reserves had to be brought up to £250,000 from £204,000.

The council also looked at a 3.3 per cent rise, or £5.86 per year for a Band D property.

A 4.9 per cent rise would cost an extra £8.70 for a Band D property.

Court costs are to be raised by £10 to £40 and car parking charges will also increase.