Rates increase of 2.99% for Derry & Strabane District

Derry City and Strabane District Council has agreed its budget for the 2018/19 financial year with a rates increase of 2.99%.
In a statement, the Council say that the increase is needed to further invest in capital development and invest in growth and investment projects across the City and District.
The increase will allow the Council to continue with its capital development investment plans that include its new Strategic Leisure Capital plan for Templemore and Strabane, the ongoing development of parks and greenways, investment in new community centres, as well as continued investment in festival and events, community services, jobs and skills.
A further £63m of projects are progressing with full funding secured including the Brandywell Stadium redevelopment, Melvin 3G, 3 cross border greenway projects and a range of other parks, greenways, community centres and pitches projects.
This year’s rates increase will ensure further Council funding of £20m- £25m is available to leverage external capital funding to drive forward its capital plan.
Following the agreement last year of a two-year funding package for the City of Derry Airport, there is no proposed increase to the annual subvention budget.