Ratepayers in debt to tune of almost £5.7m

Last year's ratepayer debt in Londonderry stood at 5,763,405 at the start of the month.

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson outlined the figures in response to an Assembly Question.

He said: "At any point in time, the total amount of ratepayer debt comprises two elements: the previous years' ratepayer debt; and in-year debt.

"At 5 December 2010, the previous years' ratepayer debt of 157 million at 31 March 2010 had been reduced to 90 million."

He continued: "LPS systems record information by local government district as this is needed for calculating penny product figures.

"There is no operational reason to hold figures by Parliamentary constituency and as a result figures cannot be provided at this administrative level.

"It is difficult to quantify in-year ratepayer debt given that, as part of normal business, bills are issued and paid on a daily basis."