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DUNGANNON COUNCIL - N IRELAND RATE CHAMPIONS WITH 0% RATE INCREASE FOR 3 YEARS IN A ROW!!!!!

Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council have again championed the cause of local ratepayers by not increasing their rates for the third successive year, an achievement unequalled by any other N Ireland Council.

This according to Mayor Councillor Kenneth Reid had been done sensitively and not to the detriment of capital programmes and infrastructural development in the Borough. 

“I applaud the fantastic effort made by Councillors from all political parties and the Council Officers which has resulted in good news for ratepayers and businesses alike struggling to cope with the continuing economic downturn.  Dungannon has set a shining example to every other local Authority in N Ireland and many Councils are now attempting to follow our lead.  The achievement said Mayor Reid was even more remarkable given the fact that the District rate has been maintained at last years level in spite of increased running costs (inflation currently 4.2 % and increased employers costs)”. 

Dungannon has now the 3^rd lowest rate in N Ireland and as such provides a strong base for attracting additional investment in the Borough and helping to instil confidence in the area with stable rates.

Chief Executive Acting Alan Burke commenting on the measures applied to achieve these savings indicated that efficiency targets have again been set to attain the objective of 0% increase.  The Council uses a zero based budgetary methodology which essentially requires justification or rationale by budget holders for all spend over £2.5k.  The budget preparation process is an inclusive engagement with key stakeholders, both within and external to Council.

The Council Chief Executive emphasised that despite continued stabilisation of the rates the Council were investing in a broad range of regeneration measures including:

·         A Local Economic Development Plan aimed at providing over  £700k (part funded by DETI and Invest NI) in the incoming year.  The Council’s investment is to assist local businesses to grow and become more competitive and innovative in their production and business processes.  This will help sustain existing jobs and create additional opportunities for the area through a range of programmes.

·         A £300k Town Centre Regeneration Programme with £85k committed in year 1.

·         Council are involved in delivering 7 rural village schemes across the Borough.  These schemes (part funded by DARD) will result in a total capital investment of £350k.

·         The Town Centre Public Realm Scheme (led by Council with DSD financial support) will deliver a £2.1 million facelift to Dungannon town with planned completion in mid 2013.

·         Council £5.2 million capital scheme on Castlehill will be completed and open to the public in September 2012.  This project incorporates the renovation and extension of Ranfurly House to include exhibition areas, galleries, 90 seat studio, arts workshops, flexible community facilities and the gardens will become a landscaped park interpreting the heritage of the site.

·         A number of other capital schemes are planed to commence during 2012/13 (subject to grant funding and approvals) which include the extension of Dungannon Caravan Park, renovation of Brantry Lodge, extension of King George V Pavilion Fivemiletown, acquisition of former Clogher Controlled Primary School (as a community facility), improvements to Dungannon Leisure Centre, essential repairs to Council Offices, refuse vehicle replacement, play park improvements, public convenience repairs and civic amenity improvements.  The total capital investment for the schemes is £1.2 million.

The rate freeze which Dungannon Council proposes remains reflective of the current economic environment but makes significant provision for regeneration, capital investment and tangible benefits for communities across the Borough.

Council rate consists of 2 elements – a district rate for Council Services such as refuse collection/disposal, street sweeping, burial grounds, arts and leisure and park facilities and Environmental Health/Building Control services whilst the regional rate is for NI Executive services such as Health, Education, Roads, Housing, etc.

The downside for all ratepayers this year is that the Executive are proposing to raise the regional rate element by 2.2% so whilst Dungannon Council are not increasing the rates for their services ratepayers will notice a very slight increase in 2012/13 rates bill because of the regional rate increase.

13 February 2012

ENDS