Monday, October 16, 2006
DUP Delivered Rates Capping
DUP Councillor for Laganbank, Christopher Stalford has praised the DUP negotiating team at the
Speaking today Councillor Stalford said:
“I want to place on the record the sincere appreciation of myself and hundreds of my constituents for the sterling work the DUP negotiators carried out at the St. Andrews talks. The governments proposed capital-based rating system was a nightmare for many of the people I represent, lots of whom were facing the prospect of selling their homes in order to meet the excessive demands placed upon them by the government. For the DUP to have gone to St. Andrews and secure a commitment from the government that rates will now be capped, despite what David Hanson was claiming only last week, that a cap would not be forthcoming, is a major achievement.
My constituents will be delighted that we have secured this concession, which accompanied by a commitment of a relief package for the most vulnerable in society represents joyous news for those who would have been most adversely affected by the government planned rating system.
Once again we see for ourselves the truth that whilst other shilly-shallied or advocated people going to prison, it was the Democratic Unionist Party that has delivered for hard-working people on the ground who were going to be hit hardest by Hain and Hnason’s smash and grab rating scheme. In Stranmillis, Rosetta (shown), Botanic and Ballynafeigh this news will be most welcome
