THE Darlington Partnership is backing the borough council's budget plans.
The partnership, which represents the private and public sector in the town, is lending its support to the council, in conjunction with the Association of North East Councils, in lobbying for extra funds.
Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of the partnership, said that it supported the authority's view that council tax levels needed to rise.
He said funds should be available so Darlington Borough Council can provide services and regeneration, as well as meet budget pressures, particularly in areas such as social services.
He said: "The council does not receive the same level of funds as neighbouring authorities in the Tees Valley,
"If it received the same level of grant per head of population as Middlesbrough, it would receive £17.7m extra grant per annum."
Mr MacConachie added: "If council tax in Darlington were the same level as Sedgefield, it would have an additional £4.3m per annum."
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