Fermanagh Omagh ratepayers facing near five per-cent rise

RESIDENTS and businesses owners in the Omagh district are bracing themselves for further financial challenges as the local council prepares to announce a nearly five per-cent increase in rates.

The decision, expected to be ratified this evening (Thursday), is aimed at generating £43 million in revenue for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) to carry out its services.

However, it will come as a blow to already burdened ratepayers grappling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Ivan Gilmour, president of Omagh Chamber of Commerce, expressed grave concerns about the impact of the rates hike on local businesses, particularly independent retailers.

“Once again, it’s the independent retailers who are going to suffer as a result of this rates rise,” he lamented.

“This represents another blow to them at a time when many are struggling to keep their doors open.

“The council needs to start discussing the impact of these rates rises with local businesses because at the moment non-domestic ratepayers are being left to fend for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Michael Roddy of Omagh Independent Advice Services underscored the broader economic challenges faced by residents.

“A nearly five per-cent rise may not appear significant at first glance,” he said, “but for ratepayers, it comes alongside the rising costs of everyday living, including what they need to live, as well as car and home insurance and other important expenditures.”

“This latest rise places further pressures on ordinary people,” Mr Roddy added. “Everything is going up in price, and this latest rise exacerbates the financial strain on households.”

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by ratepayers, FODC has admitted that it might not be able to raise the projected £2 million from rates revenue due to the challenges ratepayers face in meeting their annual bills. The council plans to monitor the impact of the rate increase on the level of rates income it actually receives.

Amidst these concerns, the Taxpayers Alliance described the rates rise as ‘crippling’, stressing the need for greater financial prudence from local authorities.

“Local residents are joining the millions of households across the United Kingdom who are seeing their bills increase, yet services are continuing to struggle,” said a spokesperson.

“Town hall bosses need to demonstrate far greater care with residents’ cash than they have done up to now.”