COUNCIL tax rises of more than 12 per cent in Darlington are set to be rubber-stamped tomorrow night.

The increase of 12.5 per cent for the year 2001 to 2002 was announced by Darlington Borough Council in January and a special meeting is expected to agree the figure.

The council claims residents will still pay less than any others in the region. The figures were calculated with increases in spending on education and social services planned and budget cuts of £1.2m.