COUNCILS in the region 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 councils in the region are likely to levy increases 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 next financial year.

Council leader Alex Watson said: "That is the target, and that is what I have told officers -we do not want an increase.

"We are very proud of our record. We deliver good services and it is just down to good management."

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

Durham County Council will meet next week to discuss its budget and council tax for next year.

It is understood councillors will consider a council tax rise for 2008/9 of 2.9 per cent -the same increase levied this year.

It would mean the annual band D precept for Durham County Council services rising by £28.89 to £1,024.38.

Richmondshire District Council is proposing a rise of 2.7 per cent.

Council leader Melva Steckles 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.

However, some authorities are debating rises above the projected national average.

Hambleton District Council's proposed rise is 4.95 per cent, which means a £3.98 annual increase in its share of Council Tax from £80.38 to £84.36.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council plans 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 has warned that inadequate Government funding meant many councils were struggling to keep council tax rises below five per cent.