Lisburn and Castlreagh council have just announced rates increases of 2.93% for domestic rate payers and 2.91% for non domestic for the coming year. This is excessive in these times of austerity when local people are struggling to make ends meet. We ask that the council consider reviewing this increase. We ask that they look at other ways to raise money some suggestions would be;

-To stop the proposed £3.7 million spend on public realm works in Lisburn city centre which will cause huge disruption and which no-one is in favour of.

-Look at and reduce expenses and perks provided to elected representatives on the council. Is it necessary for mayors to be awarded with jewelled medals, do councillors really have to be provided with iPads and iPhones paid for by us?, Is it necessary for you to open Lighters restaurant solely to cater for councillors at all their meetings every month whilst we pay? Do councillors really need ceremonial robes these are very expensive and rarely worn. Did the council really need to pay £7,000 for a new carpet just so it would have the LCCC insignia? Should councillors really be claiming travel expenses to attend council meetings? Surely when they put themselves up for election they realised they would actually have to go to these and it was part of the job requirement which they are paid a salary for?

-Proposed plans this year are to enhance the soccer pitch at Laurelhill, The Billy Neill Soccer centre of excellence, Hydebank playing pitches, the community sports hub at Ballybeen and Dundonald Icebowl. All whilst we cannot even provide a disabled changing table in our leisure centres perhaps this should be more of a priority, it would be much less expensive and would ensure we are providing services for all our citizens not just those who enjoy sports and are physically able.

-Is Public realm work in Hillsborough absolutely essential when the village is flourishing? Perhaps this could be subsidised by the historical castle tours?

These are just a couple of suggestions but I am sure the council can come up with many further cost cutting exercises and show the public and business owners of Lisburn and Castlereagh that we are all very much in this together. 

We ask that you Owen, along with your colleagues on the corporate services committee review this decision with urgency.