Derry City and Strabane District Council members have voted for an almost 8 per cent hike in the district rate, more than twice last year’s increase.
An increase of 7.97 percent was ratified at the annual rates meeting on Monday with the support of Sinn Féin, the SDLP, DUP, Alliance and Ulster Unionists. Independent councillors along with Aontú and People before Profit members opposed the increase.
A spokeswoman for the council said it was highlighted at the annual rates meeting that the authority had faced “unprecedented financial challenges” in the last year.
SDLP group leader in the council, Brian Tierney said there had been a failure to provide support to councils.
“The situation has been compounded by Stormont and the British government’s failure to increase the rates’ support grant,” Mr Tierney said.
Aontú council member, Emmet Doyle, who voted against the increase, said it was wrong to burden people with high bills during a cost of living crisis.
