Press release in advance of rates process



Nicholl – Councils must provide value for money and avoid rates hikes

Ballymena Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Nicholl has warned against councils increasing rates bills for local people and businesses, and of the importance of using public funds wisely to provide value for money.    

Councillor Nicholl said:

“This week’s assessment of the budgetary crisis facing Northern Ireland should leave us in no doubt that an ever increasing financial burden could fall on local citizens.
With inflation outstripping pay awards and some touting the return of prescription charges, rent increases and the implementation of welfare reform potentially driving more families into poverty, there is no doubt that local government faces considerable challenges in setting this year's local and business rates.

“While council costs will rise, passing on that burden to an already impoverished population is not an easy option. Indeed, councils should be carefully reflecting on their service delivery and plans for the next few years. Playing our part in growing the economy and improving health and well-being is obviously important, but we should also carefully consider whether the ambitious plans set out within the new council structures are really sensible investments in the current financial circumstances. 

“For example, working to regenerate town centres is an admirable ambition, but driving businesses to the wall by raising rates to fund other pet projects defeats the purpose. 

“Councils could dig deep into ratepayers’ pockets and take more through setting higher rates, but we have a responsibility explore every other avenue first. Whatever we are investing in, whether service delivery or capital development, we should be able to show a clear return on that investment. 

“With so many financial pressures affecting local families and businesses, the very least they should expect from local government is that we set a rational rate.”

ENDS

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