A COUNCIL believes its prudent housekeeping will help keep its pending tax rises to under three per cent.

Easington District Council's Executive yesterday revealed it is recommending it increases its part of the council tax bill by 2.9 per cent.

This is a modest rise when compared to neighbouring Durham City Council where a nine per cent increase in council tax looks likely.

The increase for the Easington District would work out at about £4.50 a year for a band D property - but with more than eight out of ten residents paying the band A charge the increase will represent about £3 a year.

The increase will have to be added to the precepts set by Durham County Council, police and fire authorities and parish councils.

Council Leader Alan Napier said the council had worked hard in the past four years to stabilise budgets while protecting front line services.

"The council is conscious that many citizens are on low incomes just above the benefit threshold and the work carried out will enable us to maintain low increases."

He said: "Last year the increase was three per cent which we thought was a great achievement given the additional pressures."

Outlining proposals for the coming financial year, Coun Napier said: "As well as maintaining existing services we hope to work with our partners to provide more street wardens in the area to tackle anti-social behaviour."