A CONSERVATIVE councillor says Darlington residents face a significant increase in council tax next year.

Tony Richmond, the Conservative group leader on Darlington Borough Council, says householders could face rises of more than ten per cent.

He claims the increase will be necessary because the Government's grant settlement to Darlington will leave the local authority with a £2m cash shortfall.

Coun Richmond says this will either result in £2m of cuts being made, or council tax being increased to cover the shortfall.

He wants Darlington Borough Council to seek an urgent meeting with Government ministers to try to get an improved grant settlement.

"Now that the grant settlement has been studied, it is clear that Darlington residents will face a significant increase in council tax, as well as cuts in services," said Coun Richmond.

"This is on top of the 25 per cent increase in council tax, £7m cuts in services and extensive job losses since the Labour Government came into power.

"Darlington residents cannot be expected to suffer a fourth consecutive year of inflation-busting council tax increases and cuts in services."

Councillor John Williams, the leader of Darlington Borough Council, declined to be drawn on Coun Richmond's claims.

"Coun Richmond is jumping the gun for political gain," he said.

"We are currently talking to our partners about the services the council provides, and will be coming out with our budget proposals in January."

The Labour-dominated Association of North-East Councils has also asked for meetings with Government ministers to discuss the grant settlement.

Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong revealed earlier this month that £2.8bn of extra funds are being made available through the Revenue Support Grant, the money the Government gives to councils to help pay for services.