BOTH Armagh City and District and Newry and Mourne Councils have struck new local rates for the next financial year of less than two per cent.
At the Palace in Armagh last night (Tuesday), all parties backed a 1.7 per cent increase, which will add, on average, an extra 38 pence a week on to homeowners’ bills.
Newry and Mourne Council – which covers much of South Armagh, including Newtown and Bessbrook – have struck a marginally lower rates rise of 1.29 per cent.
Councillors had once again hoped to have a freeze on rates, but felt this was the lowest which could be achieved without hitting at essential services provided to the local community.
The rates increases take effect from the new financial year in April.
