Belfast Council Approves Rates Freeze

Belfast City Council has agreed to freeze rates for traders in the city, despite a DUP call for an increase.

The DUP had proposed a 2% cut in rates, but the motion was defeated by the SDLP, Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party.

The move follows a loss in trade in the run up to Christmas caused by protests over the council's decision to only fly the union flag at City Hall on designated days.

Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Hargey, chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "This is the first time in living memory that we have managed to have a zero increase in the striking of the rate and is testament to prudent planning and crucial efficiency savings by our Council management and staff.

"This is the right balance to ensure we can give support to our businesses while continuing to invest in our ambitious £150m investment package for Belfast.

"Unionists proposed to committee a 'cuts programme' which would be disastrous for Belfast. This is a time to invest in the future not to slash and burn."

SDLP Belfast City Council Group Leader Tim Attwood said: "It is clear that the proposal by the unionist parties to decrease rates between 2-5% is not based on prudent financial management but as a knee jerk reaction over the flags issue. This is not good leadership.

"Positive leadership involves listening to the concerns of local residents and businesses who are suffering from the impact of the economic downturn by freezing the rate."

(IT)