Spending on housing and roads to be slashed

SPENDING on roads and housing will be slashed in Cork city next year after a €11 million cut in the city council’s annual budget.

Commercial rates — which account for 38% of the council’s income — will remain unchanged for the fourth year in a row, non-commercial water charges will remain at €2.35 per cubic metre, housing rents will not increase, and there will be no increase in parking charges.

The towing and clamping contract is not being renewed, and funding to visitor centres, events, community and arts grants is set to be cut by 10%.