PEOPLE living in east Durham are facing an increase of 13.6 per cent in the amount they pay for council services.

Labour-run Easington District Council, which is responsible for such things as rubbish collection, planning and housing, has asked for another 7.5 per cent this year.

The council tax increase, agreed yesterday, comes on top of rises of 14.8 per cent levied by Durham County Council and 14.2 per cent for Durham Police Authority. It works out at an extra £83.48 per year for people with band A properties.

Increases in County Durham have been largely blamed on the Government's funding formula to distribute grants.

Government grants to Easington rose this year by 2.4 per cent.

Council leader Alan Napier said: "Easington has clear priorities - to make the district a successful community by providing quality, caring and efficient services, and by working to encourage the Government, other public bodies and the private sector to invest in the future of the area.

"While council taxes have increased higher than we would have wanted, it is becoming difficult to meet expectations when faced with the external financial pressures."

He added: "The council's objective is to ensure money is spent wisely and efficiently to deliver a better, more responsive and more accountable service to our residents."

The new total council bills (excluding town or parish council levies) are: Band A £695.43; B £811.33; C £927.24; D £1,043.14; E £1,274.95; F £1,506.76; G £1,738.57; H £2,086.28.