Rates to rise in the Derry City and Strabane District

Property owners in the Derry City and Strabane District face another increase in rates, with a 3.46% increase agreed for the coming financial year.
It’s a steeper rise than the 2.99% agreed last year, but the council says the extra money will go towards investment in the area and preparation for a city deal.
Derry City and Strabane District Council says of the agreed 3.46% increase in rates, 0.37% represents unavoidable statutory pressure whilst the remainder, represents investment in new services, initiatives and strategic projects.
The proposal will result in an increase of £15.58 per annum.

The Council says negotiations are progressing towards a City Deal with this year’s rates proposals providing £20 million of investment towards a number of strategic capital projects including; the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus, the enhancement of connectivity, development of the city, town centres and a major tourism attraction as well as ambitious new strategic lesiure facilities at Templemore and Strabane Town.
The Riverine Project and 3 cross border greenway developments have also been included as part of the advancement of capital projects for 2019.