Household rates: Lisburn and Fermanagh councils announce increase

Two more councils in Northern Ireland have increased their household rates for the coming financial year.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council voted for a 5.59% rise - that is the lowest increase announced by five councils so far.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council announced a 7.49% increase.

The money generated by rates is used to pay for public services, with bills decided against the value of a property.

The hikes were agreed at separate local authority meetings on Thursday evening.

On Wednesday, Mid Ulster District Council agreed to increase household rates by 7.3%, while Newry, Mourne and Down District Council agreed a rise of 5.99%.

Belfast City Council agreed to increase household rates by 7.99%.

Other councils are yet to announce their revised rates for 2023-24.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council also agreed for a non-domestic property rate increase of 7.45%.

The council's chief executive, Alison McCullagh, told members: "The Covid-19 pandemic, leading on to the current cost of living crisis, and the various pressures facing the wider economy, also impact on the council.

"This has probably been the most challenging year since the inception of this super-council and the two previous legacy councils."

Ms McCullagh explained a 0% rise in rates would require approximately £2.5m in savings.

This, she said, would potentially close theatres, museums and the Marble Arch Caves.

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Victor Warrington added: "We're in a position we don't want to be in, but it's out of our hands.

"Nobody wants [rates] rises, but out of the 11 councils, I think we'll be lowest, or one of the lowest."

LCCC said it continued to have the lowest domestic rates in Northern Ireland, although this is subject to change as more council areas prepare to announce their rates for the year ahead.

It said it meant the average household within the council area with a capital value of £145,000, would pay an extra £2.96 per month.

The council has also announced a non-domestic district rate increase of 5.23%.

LCCC also outlined its plans for the year ahead, including a multi-million pound investment at Dundonald International Ice Bowl.

A previous refurbishment plan was shelved in 2014.

The council said work was due to start soon on new 3G pitches in Lisburn and Carryduff.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, chairman of the council's corporate services committee, said the council was "keenly aware" of the financial pressures faced by people.

"We have not taken the decision lightly to increase rates - but the reality is we are responsible for vital services that must be delivered," he said.

"The council is currently facing additional cost pressures of £7 million - driven by factors such as the unprecedented rise in the cost of utilities, waste services, materials and supply contracts as well as salary costs."