Councillor concerned over RPA bill

UUP Alderman Jack Rankin is worried rates could go up after fears the RPA reduction in councils may not happen for another four years. The UUP councillor says the stallage could lead to a further hike in rates for next year, meaning ratepayers footing the bill.

Alderman Rankin said: "I totally condemn the Minister and the Executive for the situation regarding the reduction in councils. It is a huge let down to the public that a decision on when exactly the 26 councils will become 11 will not be given for another fortnight."

Alderman Rankin continued: "Already we have spent 9 million on this revamp since 2005, altogether it is predicted it will cost 118 million."

The Review of Public Administration, which also includes reforms to the health and education sectors, was meant to save the Executive more than 400m over the next 25 years.

"The Minister has said that the cost of this revamp will be spread across every council. I think this is a bad idea and comes at a time when ratepayers have it hard enough."

"I agree with NIPSA and NILGA in totally condemning this. Limavady suffered very badly this year with the rates because of the addition of MoD land which had to be paid for but this could put rate sup even more."