Ulster Unionist Party criticises Sinn Féin and SDLP for 'high rate rise' in Mid Ulster
The Ulster Unionist Party is deeply disappointed to see that once again, Sinn Féin and the SDLP have imposed a significant rate increase on the hard-working people of Mid Ulster.
Cookstown Councillor Trevor Wilson said Sinn Féin proposed 3.4% which was carried solely because the SDLP abstained, a decision which is bewildering given its importance to all the ratepayers of Mid Ulster
He continued: “This year, ratepayers face an increase of 3.4% continuing the trend from last year when SF supported one of the highest rate rises of all Councils.
“The UUP posed a modest 2.48% increase in rates. However, due to SF's vote for a 3.4% hike and the SDLP’s refusal to take a stand, the higher increase was pushed through. Due to last year’s 5% increase the Council ended the year with an underspend of over £1 million – a sum that could have been used to ease the burden on ratepayers.
“Over the past few years, the Council has benefited greatly from a successful court case, bringing millions of pounds into its coffers. Instead of continuing to pour money into capital projects—such as the three running tracks within a 24-mile radius—the UUP argued that these funds should be used to benefit ratepayers directly. We also noted that last year, the Council earned over £1.5 million in interest alone, which we felt could have been allocated to keep rates down.
“Unfortunately, these reasonable proposals were ignored by SF and the SDLP, leaving ratepayers to bear the brunt of their decisions.”