Craigavon rise one of lowest

Craigavon councillors struck a domestic rate rise of just under two per cent early this month.

The increase represents the fourth lowest increase across Northern Ireland. Dungannon and South Tyrone council was the only authority that did not increase at all and Moyle District rose by only a fraction of one per cent.

The rise of 1.99 per cent for residents in Craigavon represents one of the very lowest increases, compared to Magherafelt where rates will go up in the next financial year by over eight per cent.

DUP Councillor Dr Philip Weir said: “Only a few years ago excessive rate rises had become the norm for Craigavon.

"From the year 2000 until the last council election [in 2005] the rates increases had consistently been between six per cent and almost nine per cent.

"In the four full years the DUP has been involved in the rate setting process as the largest party group on the council, the annual increases have been held between 1.6 per cent and 2.9 per cent. “

He concluded: “While we believe we have achieved a good result this year, we will not be easing off.

"The work on the following year's rates has already commenced and we are encouraged that the efforts to minimise the financial burden on the residents of Craigavon are moving in the right direction.”

Councillors struck a domestic rate of 1.99 per cent at the monthly meeting at the beginning of the month. Non-domestic rates will rise an average of 1.97 per cent for Craigavon businesses.

The rate increase was welcomed by councillors and praised as a 'great deal' for the people of the borough.