Regional rate increased by 6%
Derry and Strabane ratepayers facing an almost 14% rates hike
The decision by British Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to increase the regional rate by 6% for households has been criticised as "incredibly short sighted".
Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Emmet Doyle (Aontú) said: "This unilateral imposition of a 6% hike in the regional rate means Derry and Strabane ratepayers are looking at an almost 14% rates hike following the decision of the SDLP, SF, DUP, UUP and Alliance to increase the district rate to 7.97%.
"People are struggling right across our district and this decision is incredibly short sighted in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
"It is unsurprising that a Tory Minister would be unsympathetic to the plight of workers and families in the north, but the double whammy of rates rises for households will further impact on constituents' ability to weather the storm not of their making."