South Down SDLP MLA and Agriculture Spokesman Seán Rogers has said that the recent joint DUP-Sinn Fein decision to cut the Rates Support Grant (RSG) will be disastrous for Newr, Mourne and Down Council.
“The recent news that despite opposition from the SDLP Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, the DUP and Sinn Fein have went ahead with a planned £15.5m cut to the Rates Support Grant (RSG) is extremely disappointing. The RSG is an essential method of income for less well-off councils such as Newry Mourne and Down.
“These cuts will have far-reaching effects on all of my constituents in South Down, as public services and local government departments are already barely coping with cuts imposed by the Executive in Stormont. The DUP and Sinn Fein have shown complete disregard for the poorest in society by deciding to implement these cuts, which I believe will have a disastrous effect on our local public services.
“It is clear that the DUP and Sinn Fein intend to impose cuts on the most vulnerable in society without any consultation from the public or other parties. I am in awe that DUP and Sinn Fein councillors have shown no opposition to these cuts, despite being elected to a Council which will suffer the most from the DUP-SF Budget. Their constituents will suffer and our local economy, environment and quality of life will be damaged.
“I completely oppose these cuts, and I will be making representations to the Executive to this effect. My constituents including local farmers, businesses and charities should not have to bear the brunt of these heartless and ill-informed so-called ‘departmental efficiencies.”
