Local councils in Northern Ireland have made significant decisions regarding property rates for the upcoming year, with four councils setting rates above inflation. The highest increase was recorded by Ards and North Down Borough Council, which approved a rate of 4.74% for both domestic and non-domestic properties. This decision translates to an additional £28.80 per year for the average household and £156 for businesses.
The rate increases come as a combination of pressures, including inflation, which currently stands at 3.75%. Most councils opted for increases below this threshold, with Belfast City Council being the last of the 11 local authorities to finalize its decision during a special meeting on March 15, 2024. The rates paid by households consist of the district rate established by local councils and the regional rate determined by the Stormont Executive, which is currently set at 5% for domestic properties and 3% for non-domestic properties.
Details of Rate Increases Across Councils
Ards and North Down’s higher rate is aimed at funding various initiatives, including recycling programmes, enhancements at local leisure facilities, and regeneration projects such as the Bangor Waterfront redevelopment. The council intends to utilize these rates to support a £250 million capital investment, with half of the funding provided by the central government. Planned projects include a new citizens hub in Newtownards and an innovation hub in Holywood.
In contrast, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council reported the lowest rate increase at 1.96%. This translates to an additional £10 on average for households and £26 for businesses. The council’s special meeting on March 14, 2024, resulted in a service delivery budget of £46,306,311 and a capital plan of £34,575,000, which includes plans for the redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and town centre regeneration in Enniskillen and Omagh.
Meanwhile, Derry City & Strabane District Council has set its rate at 4.48%, adding approximately £27.79 to the annual household bill. The council justified the increase by citing cuts to government grant funding and rising utility costs. Despite financial pressures, the council remains committed to a £711 million capital investment programme.
The rate set by Belfast City Council was established at 4.4%, with the Alliance Party advocating for a lower figure of 4.25%. The increase is expected to bolster the city’s tourism potential, particularly with ongoing developments like the Dundonald International Ice Bowl, slated for completion in 2027.
Other councils also reported below-inflation increases, such as Mid Ulster District Council at 3.4%, Causeway Coast and Glens at 3.35%, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at 2.99%. These increases reflect a measured approach to service delivery amidst rising operational costs.
Future Investments and Community Impact
Investments planned by councils aim to enhance community facilities and services. For instance, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has approved a rate increase of 2.95%, which will add approximately £46 to household bills. The council has emphasized the importance of maintaining services while undertaking a significant capital plan that includes a £26.5 million fleet upgrade.
In the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the approved rate of 2.8% will result in an additional cost of around £18 for households. Planned investments include a new health and wellbeing hub in Warrenpoint and various town centre redevelopment projects.
As councils navigate financial challenges while striving to enhance local services, the approved rate increases reflect both the need for additional funding and a commitment to community investment in Northern Ireland. The decisions made this year will shape the financial landscape for residents and businesses alike, as councils balance the pressures of inflation with the need for sustainable growth and improved public services.
