Cllr McKinty welcomes water rates drop

Cllr Mark McKinty has welcomed news that farmers, small businesses and industry will pay less for their water and sewerage services for the second successive year as Northern Ireland Water announce a drop in charges for non-domestic customers.

The reduction will take place from 1 April 2014 and will be the second year in a row that charges have decreased, after they dropped last year by 2.5%.

The Ulster Unionist representative said:

'This news will give a big boost to those non-domestic Northern Ireland Water customers who will be paying less for their water and sewerage services for the second year in a row.  This latest decrease means that people such as farmers and small business owners will be benefiting from a not-insignificant drop of 11.7% in real terms in their bill compared to what they were paying two years ago.’

'During what is a difficult time for many businesses financially, it is fantastic to see good news coming their way.  I’m sure that this news will be welcomed by all those who will benefit.’

'This decrease, of an average of 4%, has been made possible due to Northern Ireland Water making improvements in efficiency.

'I would also congratulate my Party’s Minister, Danny Kennedy MLA.  Since he took over the reins at the Department of Regional Development we are increasingly seeing savings being put back into rewards for the public. This latest announcement, along with a zero increase on 2014 fares for Translink customers and a five year freeze on car parking charges are just some of the initiatives designed to give some relief to the public at a time when many are finding themselves stretched financially.’