Rates decision: TUV says council should give unused money back

Elected members of the TUV party group serving on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) group on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has confirmed it opposed the district rate increase approved at Monday night’s council meeting, arguing that greater steps could and should have been taken to reduce the financial burden on households and businesses across the borough.

The TUV group includes Councillor Matthew Armstrong (Ballymena), Councillor David Clarke, (Carrick Castle), Councillor Anna Henry (Bannside), Councillor Christopher Jamieson (Braid), Alderman Stewart McDonald (Bannside), and Councillor Matthew Warwick (Braid).

TUV outlines opposition to district rate decision

Commenting after the decision, the TUV group said striking the district rate was “a central pillar of responsibility” for councillors, emphasising the need to balance council services with fairness to those paying the bill.

The group said:

“Striking a district rate, payable by the business’ and residents of our borough is a central pillar of responsibility when seeking or holding office within Local Government.”

They added that councils must ensure statutory and non-statutory services are delivered while also protecting ratepayers’ money.

“In doing so, there is balance to be found between ensuring that council can deliver on both it’s statutory and non-staturory functions along with providing a financial ask of ratepayers which is not only fair, but also demonstrates guardianship of their money.”

Cost-of-living pressures and impact on local traders

The TUV highlighted wider economic pressures facing residents and businesses, pointing to rising household costs and recent business closures in Ballymena as part of the context for its decision.

“There has been much commentary around rates related matters recently. From the rising cost of energy and other household bills to the regrettable closing of two long established Ballymena traders in Wyse Byse and McKillen’s, not to mention the welcome rates U-turn from the Minister of Finance.”

The group said these pressures reinforced its view that the increase should have been lower.

“In that light, TUV opposed lasts night’s rates increase because we believe simply that more could and should be done to reduce the rise further.”

Call to use underspend to offset rates

A key part of the TUV’s argument centred on the council’s projected financial position, with the group stating that any significant underspend should be used to reduce the rate charged to residents and businesses.

“Firstly, being mindful that the cumulative percentage rise over the past three years is well into double figures, we believe that council, projecting a significant under spend for the financial year, should use at least a portion of that surplus to directly off set against the rate we strike.”

The statement added:

“Put simply, if council demand money from our business’ and rate payers and don’t use it, it should be given back.”

Concerns over long-term capital commitments

The TUV also raised concerns about future financial pressures arising from capital projects, particularly the Belfast City Deal, which it said could create a long-term burden for ratepayers.

“Secondly, whilst there are strategic investments to be welcomed, there remain projects within our capital plan that risk presenting a significant long term burden to our rates base.”

Referring specifically to City Deal funding, the group said:

“City deal in particular continues to demand more of council in terms of financial contributions despite some projections predicting a loss for as many as ten years. This is a substantial tab that will have to be picked up by our rate payers.”

The statement continued:

“Again, simply put, we do not believe that money should be taken from our struggling households and business’ to be thrown into a black hole.”

Commitment to keeping bills as low as possible

While acknowledging that rising costs are a reality for many, the TUV said it would continue to argue for restraint when setting council charges.

“It is accepted in today’s climate that bills of all shapes and sizes will increase, TUV will continue to advocate on your behalf that they should be as low as possible.”