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