The Minister said: “The district rates are struck by 15 February each year by individual district councils, to meet the costs of local services, including leisure and recreational services; economic development; and environmental services. District councils strike a domestic rate and a non-domestic rate.
"Finance Minister Nigel Dodds’ recent announcement on a package of assistance for councils, worth up to £8million next year, has alleviated the concerns expressed by some councils. For many households this will mean lower district rate increases than would otherwise have been possible.
"I recognise the importance of keeping local taxation to a minimum - especially in tough economic circumstances. Of course, the Department does require councils to obtain best value for ratepayers.”
District rates vary from district to district, reflecting the rateable resources and spending policies of individual councils.
This year, the district rates show percentage increases of between 0% and 8.52%, when compared with the 2008/2009 figures.
Notes to Editors:
- District councils are required by law to strike their domestic and non-domestic rates by 15 February each year.
- District rates are struck by individual district councils to meet the costs of local services, including leisure and recreational services; economic development; and environmental services. A link to the table showing the district rates struck for 2009/2010 can be found here
- From 2007/2008 domestic rates have been determined on the basis of capital valuations of property as assessed by the Land and Property Services. The valuation date is fixed as at 1 January 2005. Details of the assessed values can be found. here Full details about rating reform can be found on the Department of Finance and Personnel website. Non-domestic rates will continue to be based on rental values.
- Domestic and non-domestic regional rates are struck each year, by the Department of Finance and Personnel, to help pay for central services such as health, education, roads and transport.
- The combination of district and regional rates is used to calculate the rates bills for ratepayers.
- Proposals for a new local government performance management regime, building on the provisions of the 2002 Best Value Act will be developed as part of the Local Government Reform Programme. The Minister would expect any new performance management regime to play a significant role in driving out efficiencies and improving service delivery within local government.
- For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
