LOCAL authorities across the North-East and North Yorkshire are set to buck the national trend over council tax rises next year.

A survey by the Local Government Association (LGA), based on more than 100 draft budgets published by councils, revealed that council tax bills across England are expected to rise by four per cent.

But most local authorities across the region look likely to levy increases some way below the countrywide forecast.

Derwentside District Council has not increased its council tax at all since 2004, and aims to do the same again for the new financial year.

Council leader Alex Watson said: "That is the target, and that's what I've told officers - we don't want an increase.

"We're very proud of our record. We deliver good services and it's just down to good management."

Wear Valley District Council will discuss its budget in February, but officers are likely to consider a rise of between 0 per cent and 2.5 per cent.

Durham County Council's cabinet is due to hold a special meeting next week to discuss its budget and the council tax for next year.

It is understood they will be considering a council tax rise for 2008/09 of 2.9 per cent - the same increase levied for this year.

If that is approved by a meeting of the full County Council in February, it would mean the annual band D precept for Durham County Council services going up by 28.89 to 1,024.38.

Richmondshire District Council is proposing a rise of 2.7 per cent, subject to approval by the resources committee on January 29 and full council on February 19.

Melva Steckles, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "Our aim is to be a low-tax council.

"We still want to deliver top quality services to the people of Richmondshire - however, we have to keep in mind those residents on fixed and low incomes."

Sedgefield Borough Council is considering a three per cent rise, while North Tyneside Council is aiming for a 3.5 per cent council tax increase, However, some authorities are weighing up rises above the projected national average.

Hambleton District Council's proposed rise is 4.95 per cent, which means a 3.98 annual increase from 80.38 to 84.36.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has plans to deliver a 4.9 per cent rise, or an alternative of service cuts.

Darlington Borough Council's budget for the next financial year is still being considered, with a 4.9 per cent council tax increase being looked at.

The LGA have warned that inadequate Government funding meant many councils were struggling to keep council tax rises below five per cent.

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