Cork County Council has today (17th December 2010) agreed its budget for 2011.
Key points from the budget are as follows:
¤ No increase in Commercial Rates (This is the third year of no increase)
¤ Reduction of 3% in non-domestic water/waste charges
¤ Development contributions relating to the provision of water and waste water services reduced by up to 50% for some non – residential type developments
¤ €1m community initative fund (created in 2009) to be spent in 2011
¤ €1m specifically assigned to boost economic growth in the county
¤ No increase in NPPR Charge (2nd homes tax) for 2011.
Despite the difficult financial situation, the budget recognises the critical nature of social services and has maintained 2010 budget allocations for 2011 in the following areas:
¤ Housing Maintenance Budget – €7.6m
¤ Housing Adaptation Grants – €8.1m
¤ Community Grants – €500,000
¤ Amenity Grants – €250,000
This is the best scenario out of a very bad economic situation. Cork County Council has received no allocation as of yet for our county’s roads in 2011. Let’s hope this won’t be too harsh but I am expecting a 10% reduction from the 2010 allocation. The Department of Transport is to announce this allocation early in the New Year.
