TAX payers in South Tyneside face a 7.9 per cent rise in their council tax in the spring.

The majority of Band A, the lowest tax band, householders will pay £699.42.

Councillor Paul Waggott, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "Our spending plans include savings of £1.5m from using part of the proceeds the council received from the sale of Newcastle Airport to repay debt.

"It also means finding £1.7m in efficiency savings and increasing income opportunities by £400,000."

The council will also follow Government guidelines and increase council house rents by 5.13 per cent