A LOCAL authority under fire for a big rise in council tax is telling disgruntled residents to direct their complaints somewhere else.

Derwentside District Council raised its council tax by 2.5 per cent this year - less than the rate of inflation.

But Durham County Council voted for a rise of more than nine per cent, and Durham Police Authority raised its precept by more than 23 per cent.

The district, which collects the money for all three bodies on behalf of the Government, has been inundated with complaints.

Derwentside's council leader Councillor Alex Watson, said: "In effect, these two other authorities between them account for something like 80 per cent of the bill, so it is unfair for people to criticise us for collecting it."

But Councillor Ken Manton, the county council leader, said an independent citizens' panel had approved its actions in advance.

He said: "They clearly understood the difficulties we faced and accepted that a council tax rise of around that level was going to be required."

Police say the money will help put 100 officers back on the beat in two years.

Meanwhile, Derwentside residents who fall behind on their council tax payments could face court action.

The district council is cracking down on late payers in an effort to meet Government collection targets.

Its director of finance, Alan Smith, said: "We have a responsibility to all of our taxpayers to enforce payment against those who don't pay in line with their instalments."

The council will no longer issue a final reminder notice to late payers. Instead, a court summons will be issued, which will add a further £30.70 to their bill.

Anyone having problems paying their council tax should contact the district council on (01207) 693693.