The figures speak for themselves says Leathem

In 2005 the electorate saw through the farce that this was and remembered the long history of rate hikes and elected the DUP to be the largest Party who saw their councillor numbers increase by eight, mostly at the expense of the Ulster Unionists.

Since 2005 the DUP have ensured tight financial management of the Council Budget and these figures clearly identify that an average of 2.0% increase was made under DUP control as opposed to an average of almost 9.0% under UUP domination. These facts are self-explanatory and cannot be misrepresented by ‘Rate Rise Ronnie’.

Cllr. Crawford is a ‘lone voice’ in this debate within the elected representatives of Lisburn City Council. His own Party, which at the moment is the UUP as he has changed quite often to the extent that he couldn’t even agree with himself as an independent, supported the rates increase this year with one even advocating an extra increase.

Elected representatives are acutely aware of the difficulties and hardships affecting many residents across our city, that is why in real terms we cut the rates bill through an increase below the level of inflation. We are witnessing the most challenging economic times within living memory and never before has the balance between investment and services for the rate payers been so finely balanced.

The sale of the land on Ballymacoss Hill enabled us to reduce rates by 0.7% and also saved Lisburn City Council over £3 million in interest which would have been paid on loan charges for capital works. Cllr. Crawford has quoted figures that are inaccurate as the portion of land in question was previously zoned as “open space” by DOE, but due to the acute level of demand for social housing and a request from DSD for Councils to identify suitable areas for social housing, Ballymacoss Hill was earmarked and could not by law be sold on the open market to developers, as the area was re-zoned with restrictions for ‘social housing only’.

From various statements he has made in Council it seems as if Cllr. Crawford is opposed to social housing, but again his view is not shared by all of his Ulster Unionist colleagues and I particularly thank Councillor Bill Gardner Watson for his consistent support for this scheme.

At a time of deep recession the multi million pound investment required to provide 146 homes will bring benefits to contractors and tradesmen in our city while addressing the chronic shortage of affordable homes in this rapidly expanding area.

Councillor Crawford points to the increase in the rate base through new developments such as Dobbies Garden Centre, which has brought in tens of thousands of pounds in rates income for the Council. What Councillor Crawford failed to tell the public, was that the Planning Service recommended ‘refusal’ for the proposal but the DUP’s Environment Minister Sammy Wilson used his authority and ‘approved’ the application - a clear and unequivocal demonstration of the DUP using devolution to deliver for the people of Lisburn.

However, it pains me that this debate is taking place, as I am aware that most people do not like ‘unionist infighting’ as voters on the door step say that there needs to be ‘unionist unity’.

About six months ago I, as DUP Group Leader along with Cllr. James Tinsley, led a delegation to meet UU Group Leader and Whip to discuss ‘unionist unity’ as a means of delivering the best outcomes achievable for the people of Lisburn. Despite their and our best efforts some within the Ulster Unionist Council group said that this could not be delivered due to the intransigence of some, which I assume are people like Cllr. Crawford.

William Leathem

Councillor