Increased Rates & Water Charges? Some ‘Fair Deal’ - Beggs
With estimates of the new Water Bills landing on doorstep across Northern Ireland, Ulster Unionist East Antrim candidate Roy Beggs Jnr has highlighted the failure of the DUP to deliver the fair deal for Water and Rates that they had promised in 2003.
Mr Beggs said: “With the record regional rate increases last year of 19% and now Water Bill rates estimates landing on everyone’s door step, the DUP have clearly failed to deliver their 2003 promises of fair rates and water charges.
“The DUP had held the position of Minister of Regional Development and were responsible for the Water Service. They promised everyone a fair deal on Water in 2003. Yet NIO ministers have given us water charges linked to the value of our homes. Bills will be the same whether we use only a little water or wash our cars every day. Even a single pensioner, living alone, will face the same charge as everyone else – some ‘Fair Deal’.”
He added: “The DUP also promised at the last election a ‘Fair Deal’ for rates. Yet last year, the NIO increased the regional rate by 19% the highest recorded increase.
“The only way to be able to determine the level of rates and alter water charges is to take responsibility for these things ourselves. But the DUP still have not even indicated whether they are willing to do this.
“In their Assembly canvass literature they talk of employment, health, housing, Tourism, Transport and Education. The reality is that, like the rates issue, they will not be able to do anything unless they answer the basic question – are you willing to take the responsibility of government?
“They continue to fudge this issue. Until they answer this question, the remainder of their Assembly election manifesto should not be taken seriously.”