Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has struck a district rate increase of 2.8% in a split vote amid a call to “freeze” jobs over duplication concerns.
The new rate was supported by Sinn Fein and Alliance and opposed by the DUP, SDLP and UUP, with a vote of 25 for and 16 against as the chamber heard claims it could be “dramatically” lowered. Last year’s rate was struck at 3.98%.
The council district is currently undergoing major revamp projects including the Newry City Centre Regeneration Project, Newry City Public Park and a controversial new civic centre HQ, as well as several south Down tourism projects.
However, concerns were raised of council payroll costs affecting the rates.
Father of the chamber, Mournes DUP councillor Henry Reilly, said: “In all my years as an elected representative, I have never experienced such a degree of interest in rates from hard-pressed homeowners and especially the business community indicating they are on the verge of going under.
“We believe that we should focus sharply on the cost to the ratepayer and examine any duplication of jobs that may still exist from the amalgamation of the former Newry and Mourne Council and Down Council.
“We have severe concerns that there is a duplication in management across the area.
“We are proposing a freeze on the recruitment of non-frontline essential personnel. We believe this is one way we can work to reduce costs.”
CEO Marie Ward responded:”Currently, all staff are essential.
“The vacancy allowance that the council has is something that we recognised and there is a continual turnover of staff in the organisation and it may take three to four months for recruitment.
“What we try to do to manage that burden for the ratepayer is take a position where we have space to carry out a recruitment process and we carry some of those salaries through.
“We are certainly not saying those posts are removed from the structure. We still carry the same payroll budget.”
Slieve Gullion SDLP councillor Pete Byrne put forward an amendment, saying: “Our party would not be comfortable on a vote on freeze of employment as a paper would need to be prepared and interrogated before making a final and informed decision.
“I think it is very difficult for a proposal coming before the chamber at this time of such magnitude while striking a rate.
“I respectfully ask that that matter be sent to SFWG (strategic, finance working group).”
The amendment was accepted.
He added: “The CEO stated that the recommendation of the rates had come from the SFWG.
“I just want to make it clear that the recommendation to strike the rate at 2.8% is not a recommendation of the SFWG. We didn’t come to a recommendation.
“We brought alternative proposals at SFWG that would have actually forced the suggested rate floor by officers down dramatically.”
Slieve Gullion UUP councillor David Taylor said: “There are genuine concerns out there and the reality is that local householders and businesses are under significant pressure at this time.
“I do fear that the impact of our increase and that of the regional rate that it is has the potential to place those who are already under pressure, over the edge and that’s not something we can sit here as a council and accept.”
Mournes Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale said: “We will be supporting this rate. It is always difficult to support an increase in rates, particularly at a time when the cost of living is impacting families and business across the district.
“This is the first rates increase that Alliance has supported during this council term.
“Previously, we have abstained due to serious concerns around council spending including the Mourne Mountain Gateway project and many others.
“Alliance has consistently applied strong and transparent scrutiny on major council spending and that approach will continue to ensure value for money for ratepayers.”
Following the striking of the rate, NMDDC chairperson, Philip Campbell (Sinn Fein) said: “The district rate not only pays for services, but helps us invest for the future.
“Our investment is a vote of confidence in the district, its people and future potential, paving the way for new opportunities.
“We are going to invest in new sports and leisure facilities, develop exciting new recreational amenities and assist with the economic regeneration of our town centres.”
He added: “It’s essential we keep moving forward with our plans, secure new investment, regenerate our towns, care for our environment and support our local businesses and tourism sectors to help make the district a better place for everyone.
“We will continue to focus on securing new investment and job opportunities and maintain high quality service delivery.”
