Ulster Unionist Councillor, Alderman Jim Rodgers OBE, has stated that rates in Belfast are far too high and expressed disappointment that the council has voted for an increase.
Alderman Jim Rodgers OBE said:
"The Ulster Unionist Party Group on Belfast City Council are disappointed that the Council has agreed to a 1.48% increase in the new financial year.
"We fought for a 0% increase but Sinn Fein, Alliance and the majority of the SDLP thought otherwise. This increase, the first in four years, could result in more businesses going to the wall.
"Rates in the capital city are far too high and we need to reduce our spending. We will work with Council officers to see which areas we can become more efficient in."