Rates 'Kept Low' Says Minister

News that householders rates in the coming year are not going to be as 'taxing' as they might have been, has been today welcomed.

Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson today welcomed the striking by all district councils of their rates for the 2009/2010 financial year.

The Minister said: "The district rates are struck by 15 February each year by individual district councils, to meet the costs of local services, including leisure and recreational services; economic development; and environmental services. District councils strike a domestic rate and a non-domestic rate," he said, also commenting on the level of 'assistance' provided by Stormont.

"Finance Minister Nigel Dodds' recent announcement on a package of assistance for councils, worth up to £8 million next year, has alleviated the concerns expressed by some councils.

"For many households this will mean lower district rate increases than would otherwise have been possible," he said.

"I recognise the importance of keeping local taxation to a minimum - especially in tough economic circumstances. Of course, the department does require councils to obtain best value for ratepayers."

In fact, district rates do vary from district to district, reflecting the rateable resources and spending policies of individual councils.

However, this coming year, the district rates show percentage increases of between 0% and 8.52%, when compared with the 2008/2009 figures.

Ratepayers in Co Fermanagh will see the biggest increase in their bills, while those in Castlereagh have had no extra cost imposed as the lakeland council has increased its district rate by 8.5%.

The second highest rise is in North Down (8.1%), followed by Carrickfergus (7.9%).

But. four other councils have kept their rates increase below inflation.

Ratepayers in Craigavon, Down, Lisburn and Magherafelt will see a rates increase of less than 3%.

The district rate covers the costs of local services, including refuse collection, leisure services, economic development and environmental services.

The regional rate, which makes up half the rates bill and funds spending at Stormont, will stay the same.

(BMcC/JM)