Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has agreed an inflationary district rate increase of 2.95 percent for 2018-19.
The district rate will add an average £1.08 pence per month, or 24 pence per week, to the average domestic bill.
The increase reflects the Council’s ambition of sustained capital investment, economic growth and job creation and its commitment to deliver further service improvements in the year ahead.
The decision came following a detailed analysis and discussion of the key priorities outlined for the incoming year (April-March) and the annual budget required to deliver all key priorities.
The decision also factored in increased external cost pressures faced, including waste charges, the implementation of the National Living Wage and pension liabilities and reduced funding streams.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Gareth Wilson said: “Our Council is ambitious and confident in its future and I’m pleased that through careful management over several years we can look forward to implementing an investment programme worth £110 million across a variety of targeted projects over the next four years.
“Our advanced capital programme is already creating a legacy for generations to come and shows just what can be achieved when we work in a planned and managed way to make the best of the resources we have.”
Deputy Lord Mayor, councillor Sam Nicholson, added: “Our focus when setting this budget has been to protect the best interests of the people of our Borough.
“A moderate increase in the average domestic rate will not only deliver a finely-balanced and effective budget, despite external financial challenges, it will also allow further investment in our communities, our people and in the provision of quality local services.
The rate set is used to fund and improve key local services such as leisure and recreational facilities, refuse collection, building control, tourism and events, community services as well as investment in key capital projects to develop facilities and infrastructure which will enhance the quality of life for every resident.
Councillors agreed a domestic rate of 0.4229 and a non-domestic rate of 25.5832.
Non-domestic ratepayers will also see moderate changes to their bills for the year ahead following an agreed rise of 2.95 percent.
A typical business (by an average of NAV values) can expect to pay an additional £16 per month, or around £3.60 per week.
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