A GOVERNMENT edict could fool Darlington householders into thinking their local authority has imposed only a 1.1pc council tax increase this year.

The borough council has in fact put up its share of the tax by 7.9 pc, but bills landing on doormats this week appeared to tell a different story.

A breakdown at the top shows a 1.1pc increase for Darlington council, a 15pc increase for Durham Police Authority and, for the first time, a direct charge by Durham and Darlington Fire Authority, which is now raising its own money.

David Hall, assistant director of corporate services, said there was a 1.1pc increase on the previous year's bill which had included the council's contribution to fire services.

"That is what we have been instructed to do by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which issued a letter to all chief executives in February."

They were told they should not make adjustments to the figures on "a like for like basis" - so the increase was not a true comparison.

Mr Hall said the fact it was not a direct comparison was mentioned in very small print at the bottom of the bill.

He said the correct figure of 7.9pc was noted on section five of a leaflet and wall planner enclosed with the bill.

"Our hands were tied on this one in terms of what we could show on the bill, following the ODPM's instructions.

"We sent out 45,000 bills and leaflets, but I don't know how many people look at the leaflet. Our local taxation team on the front line have taken the majority of the calls about this."

Coun Tony Richmond, Tory leader on the council, declared: "This is another example of Government spin to mislead."

Coun Jim Ruck (Con) added: "I am absolutely appalled that they should try to hoodwink people like this."