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28/11/2008
Budgets Are Healthy, Says Councils
Local council officials have defended this week's news of what appears to be major 'debts' right across the Province.
It was revealed that councils in Northern Ireland owed almost £400 million altogether.
Derry City Council has debts of £21 million, for example - around £1 million more than Belfast - which is Northern Ireland's largest council.
However, Derry has assets worth £85.7 million which meant the loans represented 25% of the value of its assets and they said this was in fact, a "healthy ratio".
A Derry City Council spokesperson told the BBC this was the 'standard' way local authorities raised finances for capital expenditure.
The council said the money owed was from Government loans borrowed at fixed interest rates for capital projects - representing good accounting.
Ballymena however has debts of more than £30 million, topping the league, while another one in Co Antrim, Newtownabbey Borough Council, has debts of £28 million.
Again though, the Borough's Mayor, Victor Robinson, said they had a "healthy balance sheet" and that it reflected the quality of the assets for residents.
"We consult with our residents every year and the feedback shows high levels of customer satisfaction with our services and facilities and the value for money aspect of these," he said.
(BMcC/KMcA)
It was revealed that councils in Northern Ireland owed almost £400 million altogether.
Derry City Council has debts of £21 million, for example - around £1 million more than Belfast - which is Northern Ireland's largest council.
However, Derry has assets worth £85.7 million which meant the loans represented 25% of the value of its assets and they said this was in fact, a "healthy ratio".
A Derry City Council spokesperson told the BBC this was the 'standard' way local authorities raised finances for capital expenditure.
The council said the money owed was from Government loans borrowed at fixed interest rates for capital projects - representing good accounting.
Ballymena however has debts of more than £30 million, topping the league, while another one in Co Antrim, Newtownabbey Borough Council, has debts of £28 million.
Again though, the Borough's Mayor, Victor Robinson, said they had a "healthy balance sheet" and that it reflected the quality of the assets for residents.
"We consult with our residents every year and the feedback shows high levels of customer satisfaction with our services and facilities and the value for money aspect of these," he said.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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26 June 2014
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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.
01 November 2013
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.
10 September 2004
Minister gives councils £10 million to fight against waste
Environment Minister Angela Smith has made available £10 million for District Councils in Northern Ireland to combat waste. Mrs Smith said the funds would be made available to Councils to assist the implementation of their Waste Management Plans.
Minister gives councils £10 million to fight against waste
Environment Minister Angela Smith has made available £10 million for District Councils in Northern Ireland to combat waste. Mrs Smith said the funds would be made available to Councils to assist the implementation of their Waste Management Plans.
28 January 2005
Minister announces additional £10m to fight waste
Over £10 million has been allocated to Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils with the express aim of combating waste across the province. Minister for the Environment Angela Smith said everyone needed to “Reduce, Re-use and Recycle” in order to tackle the scourge of waste.
Minister announces additional £10m to fight waste
Over £10 million has been allocated to Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils with the express aim of combating waste across the province. Minister for the Environment Angela Smith said everyone needed to “Reduce, Re-use and Recycle” in order to tackle the scourge of waste.
26 February 2002
Local economic development receives £52m boost
Economic development throughout Northern Ireland is set to benefit from a joint EU and district council funding package of £52 million. The EU has pledged a £26 million funding package for district councils, and that amount will be matched by a further £26 million from the 26 district councils over a four-year period.
Local economic development receives £52m boost
Economic development throughout Northern Ireland is set to benefit from a joint EU and district council funding package of £52 million. The EU has pledged a £26 million funding package for district councils, and that amount will be matched by a further £26 million from the 26 district councils over a four-year period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
