Fermanagh and Omagh District Council increased its district rate by nearly two percent for the current year, the smallest rise among Northern Ireland councils.

Households received the new bills last month.

Councillor Mark Ovens told a council meeting that management accounts showed an almost £2 million variance, which he described as an underspend.

He said the council had decided on the rates increase last year when it was not required and questioned whether residents are receiving better services than five years ago.

Ovens also cited delays in core services and public projects as contributing to reduced confidence in the council.

Councillor Eddie Roofe said Ovens had gone too far by suggesting officers had deliberately created the underspend and asked him to withdraw the remark.

Councillor Sheamus Greene described the comments as outrageous and said they appeared aimed at portraying the council as incompetent.