A Northern Ireland council has said it will need to “find new resources” as it faces a substantial drop in UK rates support grants this month.
The total budget for local councils is £8.9m for the 2022/23 year compared to £21.9m for 2021/22, with only seven out of 11 local authorities to gain grant funding being paid in January.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) which will receive £753, 437 from the grants system has voiced its concerns this week.
Read more: Cost of living: Belfast residents facing 12.5% rates rise, councillors warned.
Council Audit committee chairperson, Brona Slevin said: “I can remember when the rates support grant was £21m a year. This has now been cut substantially.”
A rates support grant from the UK central government provides financial support to eligible councils whose needs exceed their wealth as determined by statutory formula.
The grants assist councils when it comes to striking the rates for households.
Slieve Gullion councillor, Pete Byrne (SDLP) added: “I am very disappointed by the reduction in the rates support. Will it now hamper the council enough to make any changes to the risk register?”
Director of corporate, Josephine Kelly stated that the council would “need to find resources” whilst central UK government was lobbied to increase the rates support grants.
READ NEXT:
- Newry swimming pool closure u-turn after Councillor's anger
- Delamont Country Park to get £40k "drastic" measures to combat invasive species
- Newry city centre development gets go-ahead despite parking and sewage concerns
- DUP councillors storm out of council in 'protest' during Taoiseach invitation to Newry debate
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
