Derry rates poundage 37.9% higher as support grant for poorer councils decimated, lead finance officer says

Derry and Strabane’s lead finance officer, Alfie Dallas, told Stormont’s Economy Committee that the Rates Support Grant for less affluent councils has fallen from £20.5 million regionally to £3 million. Derry and Strabane receives 23.46% of the remaining fund. Dallas said the reduction has contributed to the council area’s rates poundage being 37.9% higher and urged MLAs to restore adequate support.