Mr. Jimmy Redmond:

In my own personal case, the rates doubled. I accept the point that I am still in business. Even though I appealed it, I had to meet the cost of funding the increase in one go. I am not really sure what I get for it. My road is not swept. I pay a private bin charge, a private glass collection charge and a private water charge. I do not see any benefit from the commercial rates I pay. The letter that arrives to tell me my rates are due is not particularly nice. It usually comes with a statement in red clarifying that the rates are due in June or July. There is no contact. I cannot see anything that I get from the rates. I cannot see where this money goes. It is another cost to me. I do not see this as a benefit anymore. It is something I have to pay. It is around my neck. A percentage of my weekly turnover goes to fund this charge and another percentage is used to pay for the collection of glass and waste and for water utilities. All of these services used to be provided from a single fee. Our members find that the subject of rates is not a particularly nice one to think about or talk about. The rates imposed in certain areas are more punitive than the rates imposed in the area where my business is. The level of rates I pay was doubled in one fell swoop. When I looked for some of my rates to be clawed back, all I got back was €900.