PEOPLE calling Darlington Borough Council to make payments will soon need to use a different number, with some customers set to see a small increase in charges.

An 0845 number will be in use from Wednesday (February 5), following a system upgrade.

The 24-hour automated line will replace the outgoing local number.

It will be used for people wanting to pay council tax, housing rents, business rates and other council charges.

Local rate numbers are charged at between 2p and 10p per minute from a landline, and from 10p to 41p per minute from a mobile.

0845 numbers cost between 1p and 11p per minute from a landline and between 14p and 41p per minute from a mobile.

The new number, which will be in use from Wednesday (February 5), is 0845-023-2599.

In the meantime, payments can be made by using the old number, 01325-389898.