DURHAM City council taxpayers face an increase above the national average.

The total bill for council, police and fire services will rise in April by 6.8pc - double the rate of inflation - adding £52 to the charge for a Band A home.

Durham City Council is increasing its portion of the bill by seven per cent, Durham County Council is upping its share by 4.6pc, the fire brigade's is rising by 20pc and the police are demanding 15pc more.

The Government called for rises in the 'low single figures' after last year's national average increase of 12.9pc.

But the Chartered Institute of Public and Accountancy says this year the average rise across the country is 5.7pc.

The Liberal Democrat-run city council ruled out a 12pct increase, which it said would be needed to reach the council tax level assumed by the Government.

It decided against such a big rise in one go because of the impact on people on fixed incomes such as pensioners.

Labour, who last year levied a 3.5pc increase, accused it of financial incompetence and claimed it had squandered windfall income.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate, Roberta Woods, claimed the Gala Theatre would take 13pc of the council's budget, including £74,000 for hiring a new management team.

Labour leader David Bell, who proposed a five per cent rise, warned there would service cuts despite the increase in bills.

He called for a grant increase in line with inflation for the Citizens' Advice Bureau and abandonment of plans to charge for the council's pest control service.

However, cabinet member for finance, Carol Woods, said the council had found savings, but the Government grant settlement had not been generous and the threat of capping had not helped.

"We said we would manage finances responsibly.

"We have done that. We have set a balanced and achievable budget - and the financial situation we inherited means we have to manage well," she said.

The amount earmarked for the Gala has risen from £400,000 to £650,000, which council leader Sue Pitts said was a 'realistic budget.'

She added that the council's spending plans were 'more sound, responsible and careful' than last year's.

The amounts people will pay for city, county, fire and police services from April are: Band A £815.09; B £950.94; C £1,086.79; D £1,222.64; E £1,494.34; F £1,766.04; G £2,037.73; H £2,445.28.

The figures do not include further levies by parish councils.