Councillors vote to up rates by 1 per cent

Businesses in Westmeath will face a one per cent hike in their rates bills over the coming year, in the wake of yesterday's meeting of Westmeath County Council.The Council executive had sought approval from county councillors for a 2 per cent rates increase, but after going through the budget, savings of €80,000 were effected, to enable the Council bring in the lower increase.