SDLP councillor Pete Byrne has said that a local rates increase will hurt families who are already struggling financially.
Councillors on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council voted in favour of a 6.41% increase on Monday night.
The rates increase was proposed by Sinn Féin, and seconded by the DUP. The SDLP voted against the move, while Alliance abstained.
Councillor Byrne said:
“We could not in good conscience support the rates increase brought before council on Monday evening. The SDLP council team worked painstakingly to lower this rate, while ensuring that services would be protected and staff would have their well-deserved payrise, however our efforts fell on deaf ears and this increase was voted through regardless.
“SDLP councillors called for a thorough audit of the recommendations of council officers to identify ways we could avoid passing on a significant increase to ratepayers. Council had previously indicated they would be willing to use their capital reserves to keep the rate low, but this was also not forthcoming. I don’t believe that the proper scrutiny was carried out when it came to setting the rate, with some parties seemingly happy to wave through this increase without a thought for those impacted.
“The SDLP tried everything to be constructive when it came to this process, but were thwarted at every turn. Given the huge financial pressure that families are under when it comes to paying their bills, councils should be doing everything they can to keep the rate as low as possible. The SDLP cannot stand by while those who are struggling face further misery and it’s disappointing that other parties did not show the same commitment when setting the rate.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 