Council lobbying on Rates Support Grant

Last year, a Judicial Review of the method used to calculate the grant, which is awarded to seven of the 11 Northern Ireland councils to assist with additional needs in each of the areas, was challenged in the High Court.

That ruling found that individual conversion factors should be taken into consideration as opposed to taking a single, Northern Ireland approach, when awarding the Grant. As a result of that decision, the Rates Support Grant, which contributes significantly to developing and sustaining the area’s economy and public services, awarded to Mid and East Antrim Council in 2019/20 was increased.

Council Chief Executive Anne Donaghy recently met with the Permanent Secretary of the DfC, Tracy Meharg, and emphasised the need to keep the calculation method as recommended by the High Court. The CEO has informed elected members of this continuing engagement and her intention that the borough’s position will be made clear at any future meetings.

Cllr Keith Turner said: “As a Council we always strive to give the ratepayer value for money and have historically set the local rate beneath the level of inflation. The loss of any financial support would have a detrimental effect on the work of Council officers to attract much needed business into our area and, indeed, across the other six councils that receive the additional funding support.”

The seven local councils which receive the Rates Support Grant are: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon; Causeway Coast & Glens; Derry & Strabane; Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid Ulster; and Newry & Mourne. The Rates Support Grant was originally worth approximately £20.5M across the qualifying councils, however, the current level of £15.865m represents a reduction of 22.5%.