Craigavon Borough Council

Latest estimates on the rates for next year from Craigavon Borough Council show an increase of no more than 1.99% - probably one of the lowest in NI. Although the rate is not officially struck until February 2010, the rates estimates have been considered by the Estimates Working Group, Committee and Council over the last few months with a lot of hard work carried out by Officers and Members. Council staff identified efficiency savings of £491,000 which has gone a long way in keeping the increase below inflation. The 1.99% equates to a rise of £6.51 per year or £0.13p per week for the average domestic ratepayer and £73.13 per year or £1.41 per week for the average non domestic ratepayer. Rates are calculated on the capital value of houses with the rate bill being made up of two distinct parts – the local district rate as set by Craigavon Borough Council - and the regional rate as set by the Executive. 50% of the rate bill goes toward central government to fund roads, education, health, social services etc with the remaining 50% to pay for local services throughout the borough. With the regional rate being frozen by central government the ratepayer will see an overall increase of just 1% when the rates bill arrives in April 2010. The total bill for the average domestic ratepayer will increase from £657 to £664. Although the rate increase has not been finalised yet it is anticipated that it will be no more than 1.99% with the final rate being struck at the main Council meeting on 1st February 2010.