Local firms complain of rates increases to ‘plug gap for councils’

Businesses have complained that their rates are being increased to ‘plug the gap’ in stretched council budgets.

Commercial rates were largely frozen during the recession in recognition of the fact that many businesses were struggling to survive.

But with the return to growth, at least six councils have voted to increase their commercial rates for businesses next year.

Monaghan County Council has increased rates for next year by 2.5 per cent, but it ...