THE 14.5 per cent council tax rise facing householders in Durham City will hit some residents hard, councillors have been warned.

The Labour-run city council has approved a 12.5 per cent rise in its share of council tax bills, following 14.8 per cent and 14.2 per cent increases imposed by Durham County Council and Durham Police Authority respectively.

The city council's spending will rise to more than £10.6m and it will use £23,000 from its reserves.

Liberal Democrat Colin Beswick told the council: "For a lot of people it's an absolute devastation.

"This is the most loyal to Labour of the shire counties and what happens - it has a 14.5 per cent increase. Every member of this and other Labour councils who has this on their conscience should hide their heads in shame.''

Labour Group spokesman Mick Bennett said the council's financial settlement was "disappointing". But he defended the Government, saying people had benefited from policies including the city's new hospital, reduced infant class sizes, the minimum wage and the minimum income guarantee and winter fuel allowance for pensioners.

The new total bills will be: Band A £698.62; B £815.05; C £931.49; D £1,047.93; E £1,280.80; F £1,513.67; G £1,746.55; H £2,095.86.