00:00Council tax bills across the northeast are set to rise from April, with several authorities
00:06approving increases close to the maximum allowed, with no referendum. Darlington, Gateshead,
00:12Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Redker and Cleveland will have 4.99% rises.
00:20Others are increasing by less, including South Tyneside, Stockton and Sunderland.
00:25Durham, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough will see increases of around 2% or lower.
00:31Council leaders say the rises are needed to manage financial pressures,
00:35particularly growing demand for adult and children's social care.
00:39Some opposition councillors say residents already face significant cost pressures.
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