Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has voted by a clear majority to increase rates for the coming financial year in both domestic and non-domestic properties.

While there was some division in the Chamber, it was agreed no-one wanted the rates increase, but it was felt to be unavoidable, and one member declared “we’ve done a fine job” under very challenging circumstances.

During a Special Council Meeting, it was agreed the Council Domestic rate will increase by 5.59 per cent (0.4033p in the pound), with non-domestic properties increasing by 7.45 per cent (24.418p in the pound).

Rates comprise 45 per cent struck at a local level, with the remaining 55 per cent set by Stormont, but this will be undertaken by Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive.

The Council Report on the Estimates Income and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2023-2024 stated the key factors include the general impact of inflation; salary and wages; the full delivery of quality services, and the provision of significant current and future capital investment.

There is an overall increase of 10.75 per cent in service expenditure, bringing the total net expenditure to £43,306,789 – up by £4,201, 974 from 2022/23.

The 2022/23 rates were set at 2.72 per cent, and the Council aims to raise £41,210,433 through district rates from April, 2023.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Alison McCullagh, told members: “The Covid-19 pandemic, leading on to the current cost-of living crisis, and the various pressures facing the wider economy, also impact on the council.

“This has probably been the most challenging year since the inception of this super-council and the two previous legacy councils.

“As is suggested by the name alone, estimates are just that. They cannot provide a crystal ball prediction of the future, but they are our best assessment as to what we can expect, and should plan for.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Irvine commented: “This wasn’t easily arrived at. We don’t want to be in this situation by adding pressure on the community, but for what we do, there has to be a modest increase.”

The Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, Sinn Féin, enquired what a zero per cent rise would look like, to which Ms. McCullagh said: “This would require approximately £2.5 million in savings, in all likelihood meaning an immediate loss at least 70 jobs.

“It would potentially close our theatres, museums and the Marble Arch Caves. We would have to consider closing all public conveniences or removing all work on climate change and biodiversity.

“Alternatively, we could reduce capital funding for groups and close community centres.

“Essentially, anything deemed discretionary would be terminated, causing significant disruption of services.”

Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, CCLA, said: “There are concerns around ratepayers being asked for more. It’s a time of extreme hardship … We need to be looking for genuine efficiency.

“Savings at management level could be achieved. Why are 55 per cent of rates going to Stormont, and what are people getting for that at a time when basic public health facilities cannot be sustained?

“More and more functions are being transferred to [the] Council but the funding does not follow.

“I cannot support the cuts implied. Our people deserve better.”

Councillor Emmet McAleer, Independent, agreed, although he accepted retaining services within budget “is a fine line to walk”.

He added: “People in my constituency are already suffering over existing discrepancies by being in a rural area.

“I will not support further pressures being imposed on families across this district during a cost-of-living crisis … It’s the establishment parties who are pushing this through.”

However, Democratic Unionist Councillor Paul Robinson rubbished the comments of those against the increase, branding them: “All cheap talk.”

Party colleague, Councillor Errol Thompson, pointed out: “It was initially looking like a 10-12 per cent hike, and it was brought right down to what we’ve reached. There has been a lot of hard work.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington said: “We’re in a position we don’t want to be in, but it’s out of our hands.

“Nobody wants [rates] rises, but out of the 11 councils, I think we’ll be lowest, or one of the lowest.

“Talk is cheap. What some members are saying is nothing only a cheap electioneering stunt.”

Councillor Tommy Maguire, Sinn Féin, also hit back, saying: “Any member with a grasp on reality knows the position at a time of double figures inflation.

“We have done the best we can. We don’t want to see rises, but we’re looking after our staff and our services, and I think we have done a fine job.”

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Josephine Deehan, Independent, and seconded by Councillor Robinson.

Despite dissent, the vote passed comfortably, at 31–5.