Northern Ireland council rates unveiled - find out what it is now in your area

All but one of Northern Ireland’s eleven councils have confirmed inflation busting increases to domestic rates as family face cost of living pressures.

With inflation remaining at 4%, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council had the highest increase by some way at 9.78%.

Mid and East Antrim also hiked the non-domestic rate by 11.86%.

The lowest district rate of 3.98% was set by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

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It follows increased financial pressures on local authorities including increased energy, staff, waste management and vehicle costs.

Council rates only account for 50% of the total rates bill, with the regional rate set by the Northern Ireland Executive yet to be agreed.

The First and Deputy First Ministers on Wednesday ruled out a 15% increase in the regional rate but a large rise is still feared.

A Mid and East Antrim council spokesperson said: “It is with deep regret that the rates increase for the year ahead is higher than any of us would want but council, like so many other public sector bodies, is facing unprecedented financial pressures.”

While £6.8m of savings have been identified for the coming financial year, “soaring costs to deliver services and maintain our facilities mean we are in an unenviable position this year of still having to implement this increase to meet the demands of our citizens.”

They added: “We are acutely aware of the struggles many people and our businesses are facing within our community and remain focused on doing everything within our power to help and support them, while safeguarding the essential services they rely on.”

Causeway, Coast and Glens had the second-highest district rate at 6.86%, meaning an extra cost of £38.17 per year for houses with the Borough’s average capital value of £124,728.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “Like all businesses and organisations, Council faces significant financial pressures, including utility costs, increased insurance costs and high levels of inflation, all of which are putting considerable strain on revenue.

“In setting the £63.5m budget for 2024/25, Council has taken these factors and many others into account, including a substantial pay award for our hard-working staff.

“Waste management is an area that presents significant financial challenges, particularly as our last operational landfill site is expected to reach capacity and close in the coming months.”

He added: “Another aspect is the ongoing uncertainty around the level of the Rates Support Grant from the Department of Communities. The reduced level of this funding over recent years continues to place additional budgetary pressures on Council.”

On Wednesday, Derry City and Strabane District Council agreed a rate of 6.5% meaning an extra cost of £35.92 a year for homeowners on average.

A council spokesperson said that while economic conditions had improved, major challenges remaining included inflation, staff pay and cost of living pressures, global volatility, construction inflation and risks to Central Government grants because of budget uncertainty with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was set at 6.41%, with council chair person Valerie Harte stating: “This year’s Rate reflects the continuing economic challenges we as a local authority, like all businesses and organisations, are operating in at present.

“The process of setting the Rate spans over several months. In setting the Rate, the Council must strike a balance recognising the challenging financial and economic situation and the need to continue to invest in our services and communities.

Ards and North Down Borough Council set a figure of 5.98%, meaning an extra £2.75 per month for the average household in the Borough and £25 for the average business.

A council spokesperson said: “Striking the rate is always a balance – between agreeing a figure that allows us to deliver the quality services, and to make the investments, residents want, while seeking to ensure the financial burden placed on our ratepayers is as low as possible. We will continue to scrutinise council spending and are committed to making further efficiency savings where possible throughout the year ahead.”

Mid Ulster Council set the district rate at 5.9%, with a spokesperson acknowledging that setting “a realistic budget that minimised the impact on local people was extremely difficult.”

The remaining figures were for Belfast City Council (5.44%), Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (5.17%), Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (4.97%), Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (4.72%) and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (3.98%).

Antrim and Newtownabbey had been the last council to declare their rates after a special meeting on Wednesday.

A spokesperson said the “modest” increase of 4.97% meant an added cost of £22 a year for an average household.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper said: “The Council is very mindful of the ongoing ‘cost of living crisis’ we are all facing, and we have worked tirelessly to maintain and deliver a low increase to the rates.

“An increase of 4.97% highlights the Council’s efforts to provide high quality and efficient services while ensuring a thriving and resilient future for the Borough.”