by iNews
Share
by iNews
Share
By Laura O’Neill
A 6.50% rates increase has been agreed by the Derry City and Strabane Council. The District Rates increase for ratepayers was set yesterday at a Special Meeting of Council. The regional rate, which is set by Stormont, will be determined by the end of March. This will also have an impact on the overall rates bill for both home and business owners.
Brenda Kearney owner of the long-established D Cooley Jewellers in the town centre has voiced her concerns over the rates increase,
“It’s just more money that we have to find. It’s hard enough, costs are high enough as it is. We have been busy enough over Christmas, but we don’t know what this year will bring.”
When asked about support available to local businesses Brenda said,
“I don’t know if the council can offer any help or support, they have never approached us.
“I would like to see the council help by resurfacing the road out there. It is in a terrible state and is a safety risk for shoppers. Parking is also an issue for customers so more could be done to address that.”
Christopher Ferry the owner of Ferry Clever a relatively new city centre business has also expressed his worries but values the council’s reinvestment of funds back into high street campaigns.
“Any increase even a small one will definitely have an effect on a small independently owned business.
“Within the last two months alone we have seen a successful Derry business; Brøn shut its doors. They had done everything right, ensuring quality of food and service etc and they still faced closure.
“It is important that we work together to make small independent businesses work because if things continue there will only be Foyleside left in this town.
“I understand the pressure that our local council is under and appreciate any support such as the ‘Small spending makes a giant difference’ campaign that was rolled out last year.”
Homeowners will also be directly affected by the changes. A member of the public, Paul Hegarty said,
“Along with the cost-of-living crisis this is another bill to worry about so sadly more cutbacks will have to be made at home.”
The council say that ‘while their financial challenges are not as significant as last year, a number of challenges remain.’ They will continue to deliver ‘a full suite of critical front-line services to ratepayers.’ They have also earmarked 1.5% rates investment as part of a capital financing strategy.
Related Posts
By Jonathan Cullen Two years ago, Cillian Murphy became Ireland’s first-ever winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Robert Oppenheimer in the biopic of the same name. Now, history is set to repeat itself as the country looks like it will receive its first ever winner for Best Actress in […]
By Ronan O’Donnell Finn Harps are back in action tonight, Friday, as they take on formidable opponents UCD at Finn Park. Harps come into the game having lost in a tough away fixture to Athlone Town and are seeking their first win of the new campaign. Finn harps manager, Kevin McHugh told Highland Radio that […]
By Ronan O’Donnell Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh, has pledged a “fantastic day out for all the family” at this year’s St Patricks day Carnival. Derry and Strabane council has unveiled a programme full of music dance, food and folklore for the St. Patricks Day Spring Carnival celebrations. This year’s […]
By Aine Patton Limavady is considering a bid to become UK Town of Culture in 2028 after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council unanimously backed proposal to explore the move. The council passed a vote with no opposition for Limavady to be nominated for the prestigious award. Councillor, Aaron Callan proposed that the application for […]
