At a Special meeting held on the 14 February, Newtownabbey Borough Council agreed its District Rate for the financial year 2012/2013 at an increase of 2.83%. 

The Mayor, Alderman Billy Webb commenting on the rates rise said:

“The Council is pleased to have kept the rate rise well below the rate of inflation. For the average household this means a rate increase of 19 pence per week.  I am aware of the financial pressures that residents and businesses are facing and the current economic situation has been at the centre of our financial planning for the year ahead.  I am pleased that Councillors have engaged on a cross party basis to reach this modest increase”

Jacqui Dixon, the Council’s Chief Executive added:

“The Council has an excellent track record of investing in local facilities and will continue to do so in an effort to support the local economy. We are proposing to invest almost £5 Million in the local economy over the next 5 years to support a range of capital schemes.

The Council works in partnership with many other agencies and will continue to explore opportunities to secure any external funding which may be available to support future schemes.