ROCHDALE businesses and residents are facing price hikes of up to 212 per cent in costings from next April.

The planned increases, by Rochdale Council, is set to impact on fees for the sales of land and property as the authority tussles to balance its budget by producing an increase which averages 3.7 per cent but largely leaves alone parking and library charges.

The plans for increased costs to business have been attacked as "unjustified" by one Rochdale business leader.

The biggest increase is set to be the current £25 charge for the reclamation of stray dogs which will rise to £78, an increase of 212 per cent.

In the authority's legal service department the sale of land and property over £250,000 will attract a fee of 1 per cent, a minimum of £2,500 - up a massive £1,571. In the same department transaction charges on disposals of land and property under £5,000 will attract a fee of £650, up 44.1 per cent from the current £451.

The council also intends to shove up costs for shop leases 40.2 per cent to £450. Strategic housing will hoist up its weekly fee for the homeless by up to 5.6 per cent and the Roch Vale Caravan Park fee will rise by 4 per cent to £78.

People wanting to use the Great Hall at Rochdale Town Hall will be faced with an 11.76 per cent increase which will take the charge to £95 per hour. However, the same room for a wedding or a function will cost £130 per hour up 13.04 per cent.

Patrick Prinsloo, local manager for Rochdale at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: "We are always concerned about any unjustified costs that are put on businesses, particularly during the current economic downturn.

'We will be taking this issue up with Rochdale Council on behalf of local businesses."