Business rates to increase by 3% across Cork county

Some 30% of businesses across Cork county currently pay less than €1,000 in rates annually, meaning they would pay on average €16.89 per year extra or 32c per week, council said

Concerns were raised that any rate increase 'would be a slap in the face' for already struggling businesses. Picture: iStock

Business rates will increase by 3% across Cork county as a new council budget for the region has been approved.

Although concerns were raised that any rate increase "would be a slap in the face" for already struggling businesses, overall the budget was hailed as “positive” and “very pro-community”, with most services being either maintained or improved.