Two more of Northern Ireland's 11 councils have agreed rates increases. MidUlster_DC agreed to increase rates by 7.3% while nmdcouncil agreed a rise of 5.99%.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairman Cllr Michael Savage said the change reflected the "difficult situation" the local authority was facing.The councillor also said it was "disappointing" that the"Increased energy bills and increases in staff wages following local and national pay agreements are contributing factors, and over all we are facing increased costs of £11m in the coming financial year," he said.
The SDLP representative thanked fellow members and council officers for "working together to create positive solutions to reducing the rate whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver council services"., was agreed at a council meeting on Monday evening.