Dodds in council rates help vow

Mr Dodds has promised to do what he can to help councils

The finance minister has promised to do what he can to assist councils which are struggling to keep rates down in the current economic environment.

Nigel Dodds said he had limited scope in terms of providing aid but hoped to come forward with proposals shortly.

"I am awaiting advice from officials about can be done quickly and within existing powers to cushion the impact on councils," he said.

"I will be giving further consideration to this and making an announcement."

It emerged earlier this month that ratepayers in some areas of Northern Ireland could be paying their local council an extra 10% in their rates bill next year.

The average bill could rise by about £50, as some councils struggle with the economic downturn.

Councils across NI have until 14 February to strike the new district rate in preparation for April bills.

Some such as Belfast, Limavady and North Down are forecasting district rate rises of between eight and 10%.

Ray Farley, chairman of the Northern Ireland Fair Rates Campaign, said rate-payers should not have to carry the burden