Local authorities in the north and west increase their rates

All are putting rates up apart from Bride Commissioners

Michael Commissioners has increased its rates for the next financial year by 13 pence. 

The new rate is 161 pence in the pound.

The local authority has blamed higher charges at the Western Civic Amenity Site as well election costs and a Japanese Knotweed removal programme for the increase.

It said: "The previous three years increases (0 percent, 1.4 percent and 1.4 percent) were kept low as the commissioners have been mindful of rate increases especially in the years coming out of the pandemic and made use of reserves to alleviate the high inflation rates.

"This increase is based on sound financial provision and will ensure a sustainable budget for the future MDC Board to take forward."

Bride Commissioners has confirmed its rate will be kept at 70 pence in the pound saying it's been 'prudent' while budgeting. 

For residents of Lezayre the commissioners have announced a 3.7 percent increase for the next year.  

Rates will be set at 114 pence in the pound due to 'increased running costs'.