COUNTY Durham householders are facing council tax increases of at least £20 from April.

The 4.1 per cent rise will add £19.14 to the charge for a Band A house - £480.60 - while people in Band D properties will have to pay £720.90, an extra £28.71.

But the full total people will pay for their council services is not known as the police authority, district and parish councils have yet to announce their levies.

The increase could have been 6.2 per cent - above Government guidelines - but for the use of £2m from the council's reserves to cover a funding shortfall. The Government gave Durham County Council the second lowest standard spending assessment increase of any shire country.

Don Robson, leader at the Labour-run council, said the increase in bills was largely due to increased funding of flood defence work, the fire brigade and magistrates' courts.

The increase compares with a headline inflation rate of 2.9 per cent. Business rates - set nationally - will rise by 3.3 per cent to 43 pence in the pound.

Tony Moore, Independent county councillor for Shildon North-East, said: "The increase is far too high.

"The Government isn't giving the council the money it needs. It is very sad when the council has to dip into reserves, which are there for emergencies.

"People can't afford it. They are already struggling to pay their mortgages and other bills. The district, parish and police precepts are still to come.''

The council's budget for 2001-2002, £402.140m, has the executive committee's approval but has yet to be ratified by the full council.

Other band charges are: B £560.70; C £640.80; E £881.10; F £1,041.30; G £1,201.50; H £1,441.80