NI Rates: How much will your household rates increase by?

Household Rates Increases in Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland councils have revealed their rates increases for the upcoming year.

Mid and East Antrim will see the most significant rise at 9.78%, while Lisburn and Castlereagh have the smallest increase at 3.98%.

Rates fund regional public services and projects. These fees comprise domestic and non-domestic rates, with councils determining the district rate and Stormont setting the regional rate.

In 2022, five out of eleven councils had more than 7% rate increases, a level only seen once before in 2020 by Causeway Coast and Glens since the 2015 local government reform.

Households pay domestic rates divided into district (council-set) and regional (Stormont-set) rates, with the latter's level yet to be determined. The First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, dismissed a 15% increase in the regional rate, implying a potential rise matching the inflation rate of about 4%.

Here are the specifics within each council area:

- Antrim and Newtownabbey: 4.97% increase to district rates, or roughly £22 more annually for the average household, according to Mayor Cllr Mark Cooper.

- Ards and North Down: 5.98% increase to district rates, equating to an average of £2.75 extra monthly for households and £25 extra for businesses.

- Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon (ABC): 5.17% rise in household rates, following a previous 5.96% rise, as per Lord Mayor Ald Margaret Tinsley.

- Belfast: 5.44% increase in household rates, aimed to support council workers and encourage investment, following last year's substantial 7.99% increase.

- Causeway Coast and Glens: 6.86% rise due to financial pressures, following last year's 7.95% increase.

- Derry and Strabane: Rates up by 6.5%, less severe than last year's context yet still impacted by inflation and cost-of-living challenges.

- Fermanagh and Omagh: A 4.72% rate increase, succeeding a previous 5.59% rise.

- Lisburn and Castlereagh: 3.98% rates increase, which is below the current 4% inflation rate and follows a past increase of 7.94%.

- Mid and East Antrim: Rates jump by 9.78%, marking a £72.03 annual increase in the average bill, with split council votes on the decision.

- Mid Ulster: A 5.9% household rate increase, following a 7.3% rise last year, as the council addresses financial constraints.

- Newry, Mourne, and Down: 6.41% increase in rates, reflecting ongoing economic challenges.

Councils are balancing budget constraints and public service investments amidst the current economic climate.