A proposed amendment to the 2026 council budget would stop an increase in council rents, block planned hikes in parking charges and pitch fees, and freeze or reduce commercial rates for at least 90% of businesses in the county.
The change would be funded by asking the top 10% most profitable companies to pay the full commercial rates increase of 15%, with smaller and less profitable businesses receiving targeted refunds.
“This amendment is about who pays for this budget,” said Councillor David O’Keeffe. “We are saying: don’t increase council rents, don’t increase parking charges, don’t increase pitch fees for clubs – instead ask the most profitable companies to contribute more.”
Under the amendment:
- The planned increase in council rents is reversed.
- Higher parking charges and increased pitch fees for clubs are blocked.
- At least 90% of ratepayers would see their net 2026 rates bill frozen or reduced compared with 2025.
- Only the top 10% most profitable companies would pay the full increase.
Councillor O’Keeffe said the proposal is designed to protect tenants, town centres and ordinary businesses.“Councillors now have a clear choice,” he said. “We can vote for a budget that increases rents and charges for tenants, commuters and clubs – or we can protect them and shift the burden onto the companies that are doing best in this county. I’m asking colleagues to back the second option.”