Mid Ulster District Council Sets Rate
In what continues to be one of the most challenging financial climates in recent decades faced by local government, Mid Ulster District Council has increased its rate by 5.9% for domestic customers, with the non-domestic rate increase also set at 5.9%.
The decision, made at a special meeting of the Council this evening (Monday 12 February), means that an average domestic ratepayer will pay an additional 53p per week more for the Council portion of their rates bill.
Against a history of keeping district rate increases among the lowest in the region for many years, the continuing difficult financial climate, high levels of inflation, rising global costs of energy, and most significantly, a shortfall in central government funding received by the Council through the Rates Support Grant meant setting a realistic budget that minimised the impact on local people was extremely difficult.
A proposed mix of savings, efficiencies, and increased income generation has been identified to offset the additional costs and minimise the impact on ratepayers; while remaining focused on delivering the essential services residents expect, as well as reflecting what residents value the most.
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While continuing to deliver on these essential services, the in-coming year will see the Council continuing to secure external funding such as PEACE Plus and Levelling Up for a range of capital investment and community projects, to help us invest further in our local area for the benefit of residents and business communities.
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The villages of Coalisland, Moy, Bellaghy, Clady, Castledawson, Moneymore and Castlecaulfield will benefit from £3.46M of investment thanks to the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, and at the same time, Maghera is set to benefit from £9M Levelling Up funding for three interrelated projects to support economic growth and drive regeneration in the town.
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In addition, on-going investment in pitch, play and leisure facilities as part of the Council’s Pitches, Play, and Outdoor Recreation Strategies is also planned in the year ahead, including the significant development of pitches and running track at Mid Ulster Sports Arena.
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The Council is committed to providing up over £800K in community funding, to support community groups and strategic events across the Mid Ulster area, while continuing to provide key events across the year, such as the Continental Market, and at Halloween and Christmas.
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We will work in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in co-operation with the Department for Communities to deliver a £4M investment programme to enhance Bellaghy and Bellaghy Bawn by creating a literary hub of international significance.
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With the aid of funding received through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and supported by Sperrins Partnership, the Council will continue to spearhead a new Development Plan for the Sperrins. The new plan will seek to support our local communities to benefit more from the Sperrins AONB, while championing long term sustainability and conservation efforts in this unique and special natural resource.
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Under the MSW Net Zero Programme, in the coming year local businesses will avail of support via a series of webinars and a regional conference, with 30 companies operating in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Agri-Food and Construction sectors having the opportunity to access bespoke support to establish Net Zero baselines and develop action plans.
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The Council, as part of the new enterprise and business support service “Go Succeed”, will support 388 local entrepreneurs to achieve their start-up ambitions and support 400 businesses annually across Mid Ulster, to stimulate 128 new business starts and create 400 new jobs.
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Through the Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership (LMP), we will also support over 100 residents on a pathway back into employment or to gain new skills, improving their prospects of progression within the local labour market.
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The Council will be generating an additional £130K income from the sale of recyclates (scrap metal, cardboard and textiles), in addition to investing in improvements to our Recycling Centres in Dungannon and Cookstown.
For more information visit www.midulstercouncil.org/rates
For advice on rates, housing benefit and rates relief visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/rates-help