Concern over plans on council spending

Concern over plans on council spending

30 October 2024

A LOCAL politician fears Newry, Mourne and Down Council is over-stretching itself financially.

Mournes councillor, Glyn Hanna, said while he is delighted to be part of a forward thinking local authority, he is very worried it could potentially face finance issues.

He said there are a number of expensive projects in the pipeline including a 

new Newcastle leisure centre, the Mournes Gateway initiative featuring a gondola ride and new civic centre in Newry.

Cllr Hanna said while the local authority can borrow money from central government at a low interest rate, Newry, Mourne and Down Council carries quite a bit of debt as it is. 

“The rates people pay are very high at the moment and are indeed among the highest in Northern Ireland. I believe our council should concentrate on its core services to make them the best they can be,” he continued.

Cllr Hanna said the local authority needs to ensure that are bins are emptied, leisure facilities are open, streets kept clean, the planning process is sped up and all core responsibilities are delivered to a good standard.

“What concerns me is some services are not great, but the council is looking to spend large amounts of money when delivery of services needs improving,” he said.

“I also don’t want ratepayers and businesses burdened with very expensive rates, which are like a millstone round their necks, while still not receiving good quality services.”

Cllr Hanna said the organisation will argue it is doing best, but questioned if it is.

He added: “Money is tight in council but more efficiencies need to happen. The organisation needs to come up with a plan to make its financial situation better and explain this to ratepayers.”