Welcome for below inflation rate hikes
HOUSEHOLDERS and small business owners have broadly welcomed the mainly below inflation rates increases for 2012.
All 26 of Northern Ireland’s local councils have now set their new tariffs with rates demands due to be issued by the Land and Property Service next month.
Homeowners in Dungannon and south Tyrone will enjoy a rates freeze at last year’s level while those in Castlereagh will experience the biggest hike at 5.9 per cent.
Despite the above inflation rise in Castlereagh, rates bills in the borough remain the lowest in Northern Ireland.
Income from domestic rates pays for services such as street cleaning, bin collection, environmental health and building control services.
Each household bill is calculated by a combination of the domestic rate set by each local council, the regional rate set by the Stormont Executive and the value of the home.
Apart from Castlereagh, the only other councils whose rates have risen above the 3.6 per cent rate of inflation are Larne (4.03 per cent), Lisburn (3.97 per cent) and Strabane (3.92 per cent).
Derek McCallan, chief executive of the NI Local Government Association, said the councils are aware of the need to be both budget and service conscious.
“Recognising the difficulties faced by citizens in the current climate, it is not surprising to note that while there are increases, the majority of these are below inflation,” he said.
The Northern Ireland Fair Rates Campaign had lobbied each of the councils, and all of the Stormont MLAs, arguing there should have been no increases imposed in line with a council tax freeze in England.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said the locally raised rates income “preserves local accountability and the independence of our councils”.
Mr Attwood said: “The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for deciding on the level of the regional rate, which accounts for just over half a typical rates bill.
In 2011/2012 the regional rate increased by the level of inflation and, subject to Assembly approval, this will continue to be the case over the next three years.
“This financial restraint by the Executive recognises the commitment to protecting household budgets while not adversely affecting regional rates revenue.”
Local retailers have also welcomed the mainly below inflation increases for businesses.
Glyn Roberts of the NI Independent Retail Trade Association said: “It has to be welcomed that most local councils have not gone for an excessive rate hike on small businesses and retailers.
“Given the tough time local traders have had with a major downturn in consumer spending, a dramatic increase in rates would be the last thing they would have needed.
“This responsible approach of local councils complements the recent unanimous decision of the Assembly to extend the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme for many thousands of local small businesses.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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