RICHMONDSHIRE residents will be paying just over eight per cent more for council services from the end of the month.

The district authority has set its rate for a Band D property at £864.68 - which is £64.28 more than last year.

However, at a full meeting of the council this week, leader John Blackie said almost £50 of the increase has been imposed by County Hall.

Richmondshire District Council's precept increases by 7.9 per cent, which means an extra £9.84.

"I think we have done the best we can in the light of additional costs this year," said Councillor Blackie.