A SEVEN per cent rise in council tax across the borough of Stockton looks likely to be approved by councillors.

Stockton Borough Council has kept the rise for its own services to 4.5 per cent, but a 38 per cent increase in the Cleveland Police Authority precept means residents can expect their bills to rise by around seven per cent.

Councillor Bob Gibson, leader of the council, said: "The council has been able to manage an unfavourable spending assessment by the Government, as well as severe pressures on its social services budget.

"At the same time, we have passed additional Government funding for education and social services directly through to those services, and we have also found the resources to drive forward a number of new and improved services."

The council will spend a total of £186m on services during 2002/3. The proposals will be put to a full council meeting tomorrow.