Rate is struck

And despite the marginal increase from 658 to 664 the rate is still lower than the 665 the average Craigavon resident forked out in 2006/07.

For businesses it will mean a rise in the average district rate of 1.97 per cent meaning an extra 1.41 per week for the non-domestic ratepayer.

Mayor Councillor Meta Crozier said members and officers had 'worked hard' to strike a good deal for the Craigavon ratepayers.

Tributes were also paid to the late Councillor Ignatius Fox for his work on the council's rates estimates group.

The Mayor added: "Keeping a close eye on costs means that Craigavon this year is coming in with one of the lowest rate increases in Northern Ireland."

One of the many reasons for the low rate is efficiency savings of almost 500,000 included for the year ahead.

Councillors paid tribute to council officers for ensuring a 'great deal' for the ratepayer.

Councillor Kenneth Twyble said: "This is a robust process which started a number of months ago and it proves that it works with Craigavon having one of the lowest rates around."

Councillor Kelly added: "I would also pay tribute to the late Councillor Fox, who put his heart and soul into getting a good deal.

"In general terms this is a good deal for the people of the borough especially in these challenging times when tough decisions have to be made."

Councillor John O'Dowd said: "This, again, is another excellent job of work and I would like to thank all the members and council staff for their hard work.

"It also has to be mentioned that the council is a major employer in the borough and uses many local businesses as suppliers. So the money from the rates is invested into the borough.

"Although the council needs to look into the disparity of services between rural and urban areas."

Alderman Sydney Anderson from the DUP added: "I remember the horrendous days when we were setting rates of seven, eight or nine per cent.

"This is a very acceptable deal and I express my thanks to the chief executive, the directors and staff.

"It's their drive and determination that has helped deliver good services and that has been recognised with the awards Craigavon has won each year."

Alderman Arnold Hatch criticised the rates collection agency which failed to collect thousands of pounds in rates.

He said: "The council has done a great job, however, this reflects poorly on the Land and Property Services which has failed to collect rates.

"The sooner the matter is devolved to council, where we have an interest in collecting rates, the better."

The rates bill is made up of two parts – the local district rate as set by council and the regional rate as set by the Executive.

Half of the rates bill goes toward central government to pay for such things like health and education with the remaining to pay for local services throughout the borough.