Rates bills could rise if financial support is not given to councils, say party leaders.
By Enda McClaffertyRatepayers could face a rise in their bills if extra financial support is not given to councils, the leaders of the main Stormont parties have warned.
They said they have "huge concern" that ratepayers will face further financial pressure if councils increase rates. They called on Department of Communities permanent secretary Colum Boyle to increase financial support through the Rate Support Grant.It is signed by Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill, Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie and Colum Eastwood, the Social Democratic and Labour Party leader.
They warned that the Rate Support Grant last year amounted to £20m but councils were told in December the figure for next year will be just under £9m. "This is a significant reduction which can only have a negative outcome for councils," wrote the party leaders."We ask that immediate short-term financial assistance is provided to all councils and the Rate Support Grant is restored to recent year levels in order to help support councils and the rate payer through this difficult time."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New DWP and HMRC weekly pay rates from April for State Pension and benefitsHMRC has also confirmed the new rates and thresholds for Child Benefit and Tax Credits.
Read more »
Energy bills to stay high due to windfall tax and green switch, oil boss claimsScots face eye-watering energy bills for years to come due to windfall taxes and the shift to green energy, the boss of one of Europe’s biggest oil companies claimed
Read more »
Glasgow families urged to apply for £49 top up for energy billsParents and carers with children at home and who receive council tax reduction are eligible for the grant, with the funding accessible on Glasgow City Council's website.
Read more »
£5,000 funding for home improvements could help reduce energy bills this yearThe Scottish Government recently announced changes to the eligibility criteria for Warmer Homes Scotland.
Read more »
Baby death rates increasing among poorest Scots, researchers findNew research finds that health inequalities are growing and average life expectancy is falling.
Read more »
Major bar chain to close on Mondays and Tuesdays due to rocketing energy billsA MAJOR bar chain will close its venues on Mondays and Tuesdays due to rocketing energy bills. Revolution has said that it is shutting venues early due to help cut the chain’s energy costs. I…
Read more »