Mid-Ulster Rates Increase Tops NI

There have been significant rises in rates for homeowners of more than 7% in Belfast, Ballymoney and Limavady council areas.

However, Magherafelt Council has announced the biggest percentage increase following the striking of the district rate by Northern Ireland councils.

The mid-Ulster domestic ratepayers are facing a rise of 8.4% in the coming financial year.

The news comes as NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, commented: "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.

"One of the features of local government in NI is the fact that most of its income comes from locally set taxes. This preserves local accountability and the independence of our councils," said the Minister, (pictured).

"The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for deciding on the level of the regional rate, which accounts for just over half a typical rates bill.

"The freeze for the last two years, and this coming year, represents an effective cut in the regional rate contribution made by domestic ratepayers when inflation is taken into account.

"For business ratepayers the regional rate contribution is held broadly in line with inflation at 2.7%.

"This financial restraint by the Executive recognises the importance for households and businesses to minimise any financial pressure they are facing, particularly during this challenging period for our economy," he said.

But he warned: "While I commend those councils that have kept increases to a minimum, the disparity between the lowest and highest rates in Northern Ireland by councils would indicate that a number of them should be seeking to deliver high quality services more efficiently."

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

This year, the district rates show percentage increases of between 0% and 8.4%, when compared with the 2009/2010 figures.

(BMcC/GK)