Durkan allocates council additional £471k for rates support

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has allocated an additional £471,478 to Derry and Strabane Council for further rates support.

Announcing the allocation, the SDLP Foyle MLA said he was confident it would be “well spent” in meeting the needs of this of the city and district.

Mr Durkan (pictured) said: “One of the main reasons that I voted against the 2015/16 Budget was because of the implications for local councils of the proposed cuts to my Department’s budget.

“I was particularly concerned about the less well-off Councils in the lead up to local government reform.

“I raised my concerns with the Finance Minister and the Executive and asked for grants to councils to be ring-fenced - but got no support for this. As a result, I had no choice but to reduce council grants.

“At the time I said that I would try to find a way to address this during the year. I am very pleased that I can now provide additional in-year money to less well-off Councils through the Rates Support Grant.

“This will mean that Derry City and Strabane Council will get an additional in-year funding of £417,478. As a local MLA,”

Mr Durkan concluded: “I know the challenges that the council faces and I am sure that it will be well spent in meeting the needs of this of the city and district.”