PEOPLE in Chester-le-Street are expected to have the lowest council tax bills in County Durham, for the eleventh year in succession.

Chester-le-Street District Council set its budget at a special meeting this week, and announced an increase of 4.49 per cent on last year's bill.

The total increase for a Band D property is £38.73 a year, or 74p a week, which takes the new figure to £901.23.

Leader of the council, Malcolm Pratt, said: "We see it as our duty to deliver high quality, efficient services at reasonable cost.

"Once again, for the 11th successive year, we expect to have set the lowest council tax in County Durham."

This year's Bands are as follows: Band A £600.82, Band B £700.96, Band C £801.09, Band D £901.23, Band E £1,101.50, Band F £1,301.78, Band G £1,502.05, Band H £1,802.46