RESIDENTS and businesses in Ards and North Down are to face the biggest rate hike in Northern Ireland.
According to the latest figures, the borough has the highest percentage increase at 4.5% when compared to the other 10 council areas across the province.
With Ards and North Down topping the rates rise poll, the borough is followed by both Belfast City Council and Derry City and Strabane at 4.48%, while Fermanagh and Omagh came in the lowest at 1.96%.
For the average Ards and North Down householder, this means an increase of approximately £27 per year, or around £2.28 per month, for the council element of the rates bill.
For local businesses or non- domestic properties, the increase translates into approximately £247 per year or £20.61 per month.
Local councillors had previously agreed an even bigger hike of 4.74% back in January but were able to reduce this after it was confirmed that the controversial revaluation of hospitality businesses, Reval 2026, will now not go ahead.
Rates increase across Northern Ireland include:
Antrim and Newtownabbey +2.99%
Ards and North Down +4.5%
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon +2.79%
Belfast City +4.48%
Causeway, Coast & Glens +3.35%
Derry and Strabane +4.48%
Fermanagh and Omagh +1.96%
Lisburn and Castlereagh +4.25%
Mid and East Antrim +2.95%
Mid-Ulster +3.40%
Newry, Mourne & Down +2.80%
The council has explained the rise will help fund recycling programmes, as well as leisure enhancements at Ards Blair Mayne and Bangor Aurora and regeneration projects including the Bangor Waterfront redevelopment.
In contrast, the lowest increase was from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council at 1.96% for both domestic and non-domestic properties.
The district rate set by the 11 local councils pays for local services including waste management and leisure and community services and is one of two parts that make up a household’s rates bill.
The other part, the regional rate set by Stormont, was agreed by ministers last week. The Executive agreed to raise the regional rate by 5% for households in Northern Ireland for
the next financial year. The Department of Finance said the 5% uplift, the same percentage rise as last year, would add 63p per week to the average household bill.
Addressing the borough’s reduced rates figure, a council spokeswoman said: “Following confirmation that the Reval 2026 revaluation will not proceed, the council has reduced its district rate increase for 2026/27 from 4.74% down to 4.5%.
“The council will continue to scrutinise spending closely and is committed to identifying further efficiency savings where possible throughout the year ahead. We remain committed to delivering high quality services while keeping costs for residents and businesses as low as possible.”
