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The SDLP opposed last nights rates increase at the February meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council saying they "cannot in good conscience support placing an additional burden on people and businesses who are already being stretched to breaking point."
The proposal was passed though when Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party voted in favour of setting the rate at 2.8% at the meeting while SDLP, UUP and DUP voted against.
SDLP Group Leader Pete Byrne said the party had shown leadership throughout the process by tabling alternative proposals that would have prevented the rate increase. These proposals involved using a small portion of Council's Capital Reserves to reduce the burden of the capital programme for 2026/27.
Councillor Byrne stated, "With the addition of Capital Grant Funding from the Irish Government we had the scope to bring into play this funding while protecting services, programmes and staffing entirely. It is in the remit of all elected representatives to find alternatives that protect businesses who are operating in uncertain times, especially given the Regional Rate and final outcome of Reval2026 are yet to be factored in. We are disappointed that other parties failed to provide the political support needed to prevent this rate increase."
Cllr Byrne said Sinn Féin's decision to hike local rates will raise serious concerns, particularly in light of Finance Minister John O'Dowd's disastrous handling of rates revaluation last week, which has damaged public confidence and caused great uncertainty, particularly amongst businesses.
He added, "While councils must deliver essential services, many people feel increasingly disconnected from what they pay and what they receive. Ratepayers want to know what they are getting for their money and to see proof that every alternative has been exhausted before bills go up."
The SDLP said they will continue to stand on the side of hard-pressed ratepayers and argue for fairer budgeting that reflects the real pressures people are facing.
