Under one percent rise in district rates

Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Pat Catney, proposed at a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday night that the District Rate be set at a rate of 0.2669 pence in the pound for domestic properties - an increase of 0.0026 pence or 0.98% and 20.370 pence in the pound for non-domestic properties - an increase of 0.1984 pence or 0.98%.

Mr Catney said: “There is much talk in the media of growth in the economy, however, our local residents are yet to experience much respite from an extremely difficult financial environment.

“Whilst inflation is now at a relative low of 2%, the majority of our ratepayers have not experienced the same increase in disposable income, with the result that their purse strings are firmly tightened. Similar pressures are being experienced by businesses throughout our Council area.”

He continued: “It is in this context that Elected Members and Officers alike have endeavoured to continue the Council’s approach to retain a low rate increase, whilst facing extreme challenges and change for the future Councils through the Reform of Local Government.”

Mr Catney highlighted a number of major capital projects which have been progressed in the past year including a regeneration scheme at Moira Demesne, at a cost of £1 million, as well as play facilities improvements, including a sports hall, at Maghaberry.

Mr Catney said: “Improvements and upgrades to City facilities will continue in the coming year. Over £2.2 million is earmarked for improvements at the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex and the completion of a major improvements scheme at Aberdelghy Golf Course will help ensure increased participation at our municipal golf course.”

He continued: “The Public Realm works will be completed in the City Centre and while we recognise the disruption faced by residents during the works we are confident that the City will reap the many benefits that the scheme will bring.

“The Council will continue its exciting scheme in the historic quarter of the City, with the completion of the external refurbishment of the Irish Linen Centre/ Lisburn Museum. Alderman James Tinsley, acknowledged the Council has set a rates rise that is well below the current rate of inflation (2% CPI).

He said: “We’ve worked hard over the past months to ensure we can keep rates down as low as possible and shown we can still deliver excellent services.

across the constituency.”