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)