2.76% district rate increase for Derry and Strabane

District rates across Derry and Strabane are set to rise by 2.76% for the 2017/2018 financial year.  

At a special meeting last night councillors voted to increase rates for the second year since the creation of Derry City and Strabane District Council in 2015.

The cost is equivalent to less than £1 per month for a house of average value in the area.

Council says it will also allocate £500,000 of efficiency savings towards the growth of major events, additional marketing, a community festivals competitive fund, and additional delivery support.

The annual rate is split into two parts, the district and regional rate.

Local councils are responsible for setting the district rate which is used to pay for services including bin collections, recycling and waste disposal, leisure services, street cleaning and parks.

Meanwhile, the regional rate is determined by Stormont with the funds contributing towards roads, education and health.

Council Chief Executive John Kelpie, said:

“Council will build on last year’s growth, which saw our domestic and non-domestic rates base grow for the first time in many years, compared to an overall average reduction across other Council areas in Northern Ireland.

“Council’s key priority this year will be working with all of our partners and Government departments to deliver on the objectives and targets of the emerging Strategic Inclusive Growth Plan 2017-2030 – our Council area’s Community Plan.”