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16/02/2009
Rates 'Kept Low' Says Minister
News that householders rates in the coming year are not going to be as 'taxing' as they might have been, has been today welcomed.
Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson today welcomed the striking by all district councils of their rates for the 2009/2010 financial year.
The Minister said: "The district rates are struck by 15 February each year by individual district councils, to meet the costs of local services, including leisure and recreational services; economic development; and environmental services. District councils strike a domestic rate and a non-domestic rate," he said, also commenting on the level of 'assistance' provided by Stormont.
"Finance Minister Nigel Dodds' recent announcement on a package of assistance for councils, worth up to £8 million next year, has alleviated the concerns expressed by some councils.
"For many households this will mean lower district rate increases than would otherwise have been possible," he said.
"I recognise the importance of keeping local taxation to a minimum - especially in tough economic circumstances. Of course, the department does require councils to obtain best value for ratepayers."
In fact, district rates do vary from district to district, reflecting the rateable resources and spending policies of individual councils.
However, this coming year, the district rates show percentage increases of between 0% and 8.52%, when compared with the 2008/2009 figures.
Ratepayers in Co Fermanagh will see the biggest increase in their bills, while those in Castlereagh have had no extra cost imposed as the lakeland council has increased its district rate by 8.5%.
The second highest rise is in North Down (8.1%), followed by Carrickfergus (7.9%).
But. four other councils have kept their rates increase below inflation.
Ratepayers in Craigavon, Down, Lisburn and Magherafelt will see a rates increase of less than 3%.
The district rate covers the costs of local services, including refuse collection, leisure services, economic development and environmental services.
The regional rate, which makes up half the rates bill and funds spending at Stormont, will stay the same.
(BMcC/JM)
Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson today welcomed the striking by all district councils of their rates for the 2009/2010 financial year.
The Minister said: "The district rates are struck by 15 February each year by individual district councils, to meet the costs of local services, including leisure and recreational services; economic development; and environmental services. District councils strike a domestic rate and a non-domestic rate," he said, also commenting on the level of 'assistance' provided by Stormont.
"Finance Minister Nigel Dodds' recent announcement on a package of assistance for councils, worth up to £8 million next year, has alleviated the concerns expressed by some councils.
"For many households this will mean lower district rate increases than would otherwise have been possible," he said.
"I recognise the importance of keeping local taxation to a minimum - especially in tough economic circumstances. Of course, the department does require councils to obtain best value for ratepayers."
In fact, district rates do vary from district to district, reflecting the rateable resources and spending policies of individual councils.
However, this coming year, the district rates show percentage increases of between 0% and 8.52%, when compared with the 2008/2009 figures.
Ratepayers in Co Fermanagh will see the biggest increase in their bills, while those in Castlereagh have had no extra cost imposed as the lakeland council has increased its district rate by 8.5%.
The second highest rise is in North Down (8.1%), followed by Carrickfergus (7.9%).
But. four other councils have kept their rates increase below inflation.
Ratepayers in Craigavon, Down, Lisburn and Magherafelt will see a rates increase of less than 3%.
The district rate covers the costs of local services, including refuse collection, leisure services, economic development and environmental services.
The regional rate, which makes up half the rates bill and funds spending at Stormont, will stay the same.
(BMcC/JM)
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17 February 2014
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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.
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.
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.
14 January 2004
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.
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.
02 February 2016
Council Approves District Rates Increase Of 1.48%
A below inflation district rates increase of 1.48% has been approved by the Belfast City Council. The move is the first rise in four years. With inflation forecast at 1.7% according to the Treasury, the increase is less than the regional rate set by the Northern Ireland Executive which is in line with inflation (1.7%).
Council Approves District Rates Increase Of 1.48%
A below inflation district rates increase of 1.48% has been approved by the Belfast City Council. The move is the first rise in four years. With inflation forecast at 1.7% according to the Treasury, the increase is less than the regional rate set by the Northern Ireland Executive which is in line with inflation (1.7%).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
