Increase in rates, rents ruled out by Cork County Council

Many business people and local authority tenants will breathe a sigh of relief after Cork County Council decided not to increase rates or rents next year.

County manager Martin Riordan previously signalled he might have to increase rates to balance the books, but at yesterday’s annual budget meeting, he said he was not going to do this as he recognised it was still a difficult time for businesses.

The council will have €306m to spend on services next year. That’s down €54m since 2008. During the same period, it has reduced its staff by 818 (23%) and made significant payroll savings.