“This has been an unprecedent year with extreme financial pressures needed to fund our basic Council services.
We acknowledge that increases in payroll and energy costs and the proposed reduction in the rates support grant will put immense pressure on our Council departments. However, we also acknowledge the extreme pressures facing households, with many struggling to make ends meet.
The DUP proposed a lower alternative rate increase of 4.9%, a rate that would still see our front-line services protected. Whilst other parties were only interested in grandstanding, DUP Councillors could stand over our proposed savings. Others could not provide clarity on their proposal.
As a result of Sinn Fein’s and SDLP proposal the Mid Ulster district will have an 7.3% rate increase and lose front-line services. Rural recycling centres will be closed, parking charges introduced in Cookstown and grass-cutting services will be removed within the 30mph limit to our towns and villages.
The DUP’s balanced proposal would have ensured our constituents both urban and rural receive equality in service.”