COUNCILLORS are calling for plans to increase fees for hard-up residents to be axed.

Durham County Council’s budget for 2015-16 includes a proposal to raise £85,235 by increasing charges for non-payment of council tax from £30 to £35.

Opposition Liberal Democrat and Independent groups oppose the hike.

Lib Dem Mark Wilkes, who claims with court costs total penalties could reach £91, said: “Someone who through no fault of their own finds themselves out of a job or struggling could end up paying fees which are higher than the debt owed.

“This is a nonsense and further fees increases are morally unacceptable.”

Labour deputy leader Alan Napier said the issue would be carefully considered to see whether the savings needed as a result of “unprecedented” government cuts could be found from the existing budget or whether an increase in charges was needed.