Ratepayers to pay more

Councillors have agreed a district rate increase of 4.99% for non-domestic and 4,99% for domestic properties.

For ratepayers this is likely to mean a combined district and regional increase in 2010/11 for domestic and non-domestic properties of 2.54% and 2.31% respectively. This represents an annual average household increase of 17. Recognising Council's commitment to keep the rate as low as possible in these challenging economic times, Cllr Shaun Gallagher, Chairperson of the Council's Policy and Resources Committee said:

"Budget freezes, savings programmes, income reductions and resource constraints were a constant feature of this year's budget setting process. Against this backdrop, Council has worked diligently to keep the rates increase as low as possible.

"While the environment was challenging we have provided additional resources for developing cultural activity and events, increased Summer Sunday opening at the Tower Museum and further development of City parks. Council has also established a Leisure Development Fund with an initial sum of 4.25 million and will formulate a Leisure Strategy to help us to inform that will determine spending needs and priorities. This strategy will determine regional, district and local needs and take into account targeting social needs and equality requirements."

Within the financial programme for 2010/11, Council budgets for services and grant aid have been frozen with further operational savings just over 1 million achieved.

Council has also made provision for increases in statutory and regulatory expenditure such as landfill tax and national pay & pension costs. Income reductions in Building Control fees, property certificates and City of Derry Airport due to the continued downturn in the Economy were also features of this year's budget.

Governance reform and the process of seeking commercial partnership at City of Derry Airport is continuing to progress. The Council said it remains committed to "improving air access and achieving the greatest financial return for local ratepayers while minimising the public subvention to City of Derry Airport".

It said it will continue with ongoing capital programmes such as Culmore landfill site, Guildhall restoration, airport safety works, walled city signature project and parks programme for Brooke Park, North West Sports Campus and Skateboard facilities. Derry City Council is the first Council in Northern Ireland to undertake an Equality Impact Assessment of proposed expenditure within the rates and consider response as part of this rate setting process.

Town Clerk and Chief Executive, Valerie Watts concluded, "Derry City Council has met the challenge of maintaining everyday council services with limited financial resources and we remain committed to maximising the vital contribution our services make to the city and region."