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07/02/2023
Two More Councils Announce Rate Increases
Rates are set to rise in both Mid Ulster and Mourne and Down, after each council agreed to increase household and business rates.
In Mid Ulster, the council has announced a 7.3% rise in domestic rates, while Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced a rise of 5.99%.
The news follows an increase of 7.99% announced last week by Belfast City Council.
Following the announcement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said: "It is important to agree a rate that ensures we can deliver services to our residents as well as develop our district to result in further growth, investment, and better economic times for all.
"This year's rate reflects the difficult situation we as a local authority are facing and it is disappointing that the Rate Support Grant was reduced this year. Increased energy bills and increases in staff wages following local and national pay agreements are contributing factors, and over all we are facing increased costs of £11 million in the coming financial year. All 11 Councils across Northern Ireland are facing similar economic challenges.
"The process of setting the rate as a Council spans many months and we have more than halved the initial rate under consideration by working with Members and Officers to get the very best for our ratepayers – looking at ways of increasing our revenue whilst also taking action to make savings. I would like to thank fellow Members and Council Officers for working together to create positive solutions to reducing the rate whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver Council services.”
In Mid Ulster, the council has announced a 7.3% rise in domestic rates, while Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced a rise of 5.99%.
The news follows an increase of 7.99% announced last week by Belfast City Council.
Following the announcement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said: "It is important to agree a rate that ensures we can deliver services to our residents as well as develop our district to result in further growth, investment, and better economic times for all.
"This year's rate reflects the difficult situation we as a local authority are facing and it is disappointing that the Rate Support Grant was reduced this year. Increased energy bills and increases in staff wages following local and national pay agreements are contributing factors, and over all we are facing increased costs of £11 million in the coming financial year. All 11 Councils across Northern Ireland are facing similar economic challenges.
"The process of setting the rate as a Council spans many months and we have more than halved the initial rate under consideration by working with Members and Officers to get the very best for our ratepayers – looking at ways of increasing our revenue whilst also taking action to make savings. I would like to thank fellow Members and Council Officers for working together to create positive solutions to reducing the rate whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver Council services.”
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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.
02 April 2015
Ratepayers To Receive New Rate Bills
Homeowners and businesses throughout the new Belfast District Council area are to receive their rate bill for 2015/16 this week. The bill will show the amount due for the new billing period 2015/16, including any debt that may have been carried forward from previous years, along with any rate relief, where applicable.
Ratepayers To Receive New Rate Bills
Homeowners and businesses throughout the new Belfast District Council area are to receive their rate bill for 2015/16 this week. The bill will show the amount due for the new billing period 2015/16, including any debt that may have been carried forward from previous years, along with any rate relief, where applicable.
26 June 2014
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
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15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
20 November 2014
£30m Rate Support Scheme Announced For New Councils
A new £30m support scheme to help keep rate bills down under the new council layout in April has been announced by the Department Of Finance. The scheme will deliver £30m of direct support to both domestic and non-domestic ratepayers.
£30m Rate Support Scheme Announced For New Councils
A new £30m support scheme to help keep rate bills down under the new council layout in April has been announced by the Department Of Finance. The scheme will deliver £30m of direct support to both domestic and non-domestic ratepayers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
