The Environmental Services department at Cloonavin are facing a £4m deficit.
A £4m deficit facing the council's biggest spending department has been described as a financial “car crash.”
Spiralling costs, including a pay hike which took low paid workers onto a living wage, coupled with an inability to make cuts amid static income from rates, have led Environmental Services to spend £3.9m more than its budget.
News of the crises emerged from a Causeway Coast and Glens council meeting scheduled to take place behind closed doors last Tuesday evening.
It was discussed in open committee after members insisted that the public had a right to know the extent of the difficulties.
Figures provided to members of the Environmental Services Committee showed the department spent £23.3m in the 2019 financial year.
Among its responsibilities are bin collection, recycling, street cleaning, play parks, public toilets, building control and the borough's harbours.
*Full story in this week's Chronicle*
Police at the scene of a shooting in the Heights area of Coleraine earlier this week.
A Bushmills business woman has raised concerns about the impact this latest ‘circuit breaker’ round of COVID restrictions will have on local businesses.
Tips for a sustainable Christmas
Stay connected to us to get the latest news and updates.
Ballycastle Chronicle
78 Castle Street, Ballycastle
BT54 6AR
Tel: 028 2076 1282
