Belated zero per cent glory for Moyle District Council

When central government figures were initially released last week the table only showed one Council - Dungannon - as coming in with a zero figure.

When the DoE figures first came out they showed Moyle had a very small rise of well below one per cent but it was wrong and it meant when the media reported on the figures Dungannon was hailed and Moyle missed out.

But Council staff and Council Chairperson, Cara McShane (Sinn Fein), were quickly on the case and made efforts to rectify matters and when they contacted central government the table was updated to show Moyle's ZERO position.

On the government website the following message was posted: "Following an update received from Moyle District Council on 16 February 2010 these rates differ slightly from the DoE press release issued on 15 February 2010.'

The figures contained in the initial press release showed that the household rates for Moyle were 0.3750 but in fact they are 0.3749.

And the figures contained in the original press release showed the business rate was 30.39 but it is in fact 30.3867.

And although the Council could claim glory with the zero per cent change it has to be pointed out that the business rates in Moyle are still the highest of the 26 councils in Northern Ireland and Moyle household rates are fourth highest.

Moyle Council has issued the following press release regarding how they struck their rates for 2010/11..

It said: 'Council agreed the adoption of the projected estimated net expenditure of 5,574,670, which after applying a balance from reserves of 324,500 represents no overall increase.

'Council will continue to ensure delivery of high-quality and cost-effective services whilst implementing its Corporate Plan.

'Council's reserves at 31 March 2009 were 1.2mn and it is projected that Council will retain this level at 31 March 2010. Latest correspondence from Land and Property Services indicate the Estimated Penny Product for 2009/10 will result in 200K payment.

'The Estimated Penny Product increased from 149,270 in 2009/10 to 150,070 in 2010/11.

'This increase can be attributable to the recent work which has been carried out in conjunction with Land and Property Services in identifying occupied property which was previously listed as vacant. Reserves therefore are adequate, in fact, they exceed the DOE recommended level of 5%-7.5% of net operating expenditure.

'Council will be involved in a comprehensive scheme of both Capital and Revenue works throughout the District in the 2010/11 financial year. The majority of these schemes will further enhance the Tourist and Recreational Facilities and Infrastructure in the area.

'Major schemes which have been approved in the 2010/11 estimates include the following, whilst others are on-going

* Enhancement of Tourist sites along the Causeway Coastal Route (Schemes at Ballintoy Harbour, Ballycastle Seafront, Harbour/Terminal, Rathlin Harbour and Coolranny). It is anticipated that these schemes will be 50% funded through grants by NI Tourist Board, net cost to Council of 276K.

* Redevelopment of Bushmills Library to provide a Tourist Information Centre and ancillary office space (400K)

* A sum of 200K set aside to match fund various projects through Rural Development Fund, Tourist Board TDS Fund, Innovation Fund, Interreg, Peace etc.

* Dundarave Soccer Pitch Changing Rooms, Bushmills (150K in 2010/11 and 100K from 2009/10)

* Tourism and Environmental Improvements in Glens Area, namely Cushendall Beach Enhancements, Coast Road Field Amenity Area, Garron Road Lay-by Viewing Point and Waterfoot Car Park. (150K)

* Sheskburn Recreation Centre upgrade Facilities – Changing Rooms (20K)

* Resurface Tennis Courts (30K)

* James McShane Pitch, Quay Road - Synthetic Carpet to Goal Mouths (10K)

* Traffic Calming and Environmental Improvements on Council owned Carparks (60K)

* Dredging for Ballycastle and Rathlin Harbours (70K)

* Replacement Equipment and Machinery (206K)

* Minor improvements to Bushmills and Mosside Community Centres (10K)

* Match funding for Ballycastle Town Partnership projects (BTP) on Council property eg upgrade to Tow River path. (10K)

* Christmas Lights (10K)

* Marina Building – associated professional fees with re-build (70K)

'Capital Schemes which are on-going:-

* DDA Works to improve access for the disabled to our services and facilities

* Playground upgrades – Turnarobert, Armoy

* Enhancements to Carneatly Amenity Site

'Regarding revenue schemes, Council continues to work in partnership with various voluntary, public and private grant funding bodies to ensure maximum benefit to the rate-payers of Moyle. For the 2010/11 Council have committed to the additional following items of revenue expenditure:-

* Increased provision of funding to the Community Grants Fund (15K) and the Armoy Road Race (5K)

* Contribution towards a Masterplan for Glenariff Forest Park (8K)

* Support the Rathmoyle project (7K)

* Additional funding to maintain various paths (5K)

* Capacity Building for Elected Members (7.5K)

'Council continues to progress the following Strategies, Initiatives and Projects:-

* Recycling education and awareness scheme

* Completion and implementation of the Tourism Strategy

* Contribution towards the Citizens Advice Bureau

* Good Relations and Equality Strategy

* Community Services

* Promote Leisure facilities in partnership with Pulse

* Economic Development Programme

* Warmer Homes Schemes

'The Rates Estimates for 2010/11 consist of:-

1. Additional Loan Charges of 10,500 - Council have agreed to finance most of the Capital Expenditure from Capital Reserves, with the remainder being financed from loans.

2. Wages and Salaries - half per cent inflationary allowance included along with an increase in the employers pension contributions from 16% to 17%.

3. Other Increases as identified within the above Revenue Schemes.

'Summary - This results in net expenditure of 5,574,670 - an increase of 264,054 from 09/10. The general grant generates 690,033, a decrease of 62,960 from 2009/10.

'A balance applied of 324,500 means the net amount to be raised by the rates is almost 5.6mn, which is equivalent to a district rate of 0.3749 pence in the pound – a 0% increase and a district non-domestic rate of 30.3867 - a 0% increase,' said the Moyle Council press release.