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17/02/2014
Majority Of Councils Vote To Retain Rates
Fifteen out of the 26 local councils in Northern Ireland will not be increasing their rates for 2014/15, it has been announced.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said all district councils have struck their rates for the 2014/2015 financial year.
"It is welcome news that the vast majority of councils have either not increased or have kept their rates rises to a minimum," he said.
"This year, the district rates show percentage variations of between -1.5% and 2.76%, when compared with the 2013/2014 figures. 15 councils are not increasing their 2014/2015 rates. It is reassuring for householders and businesses that rate rises remain close to inflation in order to minimise any financial pressure during this challenging period for our economy."
District rates are struck by 15 February each year by councils to meet the costs of local services such as leisure and recreational, economic development and environmental services.
This year, the biggest rises were announced in Derry (2.58%), Larne (2.75%) and Strabane (2.50%), while it was revealed that rates will fall in Ballymoney (-0.25%), Castlereagh (-0.1895%) and Omagh (-1.50%).
Glyn Roberts of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) said: "High Business Rates remains one of the top concerns of our members and it is welcome that so many Councils have listened to their concerns by keeping their rates down for 2014/15 down. In particular, Ballymoney, Omagh and Castlereagh Councils deserve praise for actually passing a reduced Business Rate.
"It is critical in these early stages of economic recovery that Government at every level, keeps all forms of taxation on small businesses as low as possible to support new investment and jobs."
(IT/JP)
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said all district councils have struck their rates for the 2014/2015 financial year.
"It is welcome news that the vast majority of councils have either not increased or have kept their rates rises to a minimum," he said.
"This year, the district rates show percentage variations of between -1.5% and 2.76%, when compared with the 2013/2014 figures. 15 councils are not increasing their 2014/2015 rates. It is reassuring for householders and businesses that rate rises remain close to inflation in order to minimise any financial pressure during this challenging period for our economy."
District rates are struck by 15 February each year by councils to meet the costs of local services such as leisure and recreational, economic development and environmental services.
This year, the biggest rises were announced in Derry (2.58%), Larne (2.75%) and Strabane (2.50%), while it was revealed that rates will fall in Ballymoney (-0.25%), Castlereagh (-0.1895%) and Omagh (-1.50%).
Glyn Roberts of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) said: "High Business Rates remains one of the top concerns of our members and it is welcome that so many Councils have listened to their concerns by keeping their rates down for 2014/15 down. In particular, Ballymoney, Omagh and Castlereagh Councils deserve praise for actually passing a reduced Business Rate.
"It is critical in these early stages of economic recovery that Government at every level, keeps all forms of taxation on small businesses as low as possible to support new investment and jobs."
(IT/JP)
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Pearson unveils two year NI budget plans
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Pearson unveils two year NI budget plans
Finance Minister, Ian Pearson has unveiled details of the Government’s plans for a significant boost to investment in public services over the next two years. Mr Pearson revealed that total spending on services will rise by nearly 14% over the next two years, with an increase of 7.9% next year and 5.
15 February 2010
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.
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.
14 February 2003
Pearson confirms rise in regional rates
It has been confirmed that regional rates for this year are set to go up in Northern Ireland, with a 6% rise for households and 3.3% hike for businesses. The regional element of the average domestic rate bill will increase from £229 to £243, and the average non-domestic rate bill will increase from £4,326 to £4,468.
Pearson confirms rise in regional rates
It has been confirmed that regional rates for this year are set to go up in Northern Ireland, with a 6% rise for households and 3.3% hike for businesses. The regional element of the average domestic rate bill will increase from £229 to £243, and the average non-domestic rate bill will increase from £4,326 to £4,468.
20 October 2008
MoD Rates Debate Continues
As controversy continues over rating 'rebates' for army bases owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the North West, the Land and Property Services (LPS) has clarified claims about 'errors' in rates estimates and expressed disappointment over reaction from local representatives.
MoD Rates Debate Continues
As controversy continues over rating 'rebates' for army bases owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the North West, the Land and Property Services (LPS) has clarified claims about 'errors' in rates estimates and expressed disappointment over reaction from local representatives.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
