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02/02/2023
Belfast City Council Announces 7.99% Rates Increase
Belfast City Council has announced a rates increase of 7.99% across the council district for 2023/24
In real terms, this means an average monthly increase of:
• £2.05 for a terraced property
• £3.13 for a 3-bed semi-detached property
• £6.97 for a 4-bed detached property
• £1.98 for an apartment
• £51.44 for an office property
• £42.14 for a retail property
Councillor Emmett McDonough-Brown, chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "For seven years we were able to keep the rates increase below 3% which was a significant achievement; but none of us, including Council, is exempt from the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the rising costs of energy and services. As councillors, it's important that we strike a balance between supporting our ratepayers and residents, while also looking after the needs of our own staff as they too are impacted by the current economic times.
"And while we are unfortunately seeing an increase in rates this year, I am pleased that we have been able to keep it below the current rate of inflation; parties have worked hard to keep the rise as low as possible while continuing to invest in our services. This increase in rates will allow us to further invest in a number of key services which we know are priorities for our residents and business community.
"We will be enhancing our neighbourhood and city centre taskforces, recruiting a number of new staff to tackle issues like dog fouling, graffiti, and city centre cleanliness. We are also focused on our credentials as an employer of choice and harmonising pay structures across the organisation to ensure that our lowest paid workers are getting a fair wage.
"Any increase in bills is never a good news story for households, particularly in the current climate; but I want to reassure our ratepayers that we will continue to scrutinise council spend and remain committed to making further efficiency savings wherever possible, while also delivering on our community plan for the city and prioritising action on core council services and facilities, climate, and digital innovation."
In real terms, this means an average monthly increase of:
• £2.05 for a terraced property
• £3.13 for a 3-bed semi-detached property
• £6.97 for a 4-bed detached property
• £1.98 for an apartment
• £51.44 for an office property
• £42.14 for a retail property
Councillor Emmett McDonough-Brown, chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "For seven years we were able to keep the rates increase below 3% which was a significant achievement; but none of us, including Council, is exempt from the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the rising costs of energy and services. As councillors, it's important that we strike a balance between supporting our ratepayers and residents, while also looking after the needs of our own staff as they too are impacted by the current economic times.
"And while we are unfortunately seeing an increase in rates this year, I am pleased that we have been able to keep it below the current rate of inflation; parties have worked hard to keep the rise as low as possible while continuing to invest in our services. This increase in rates will allow us to further invest in a number of key services which we know are priorities for our residents and business community.
"We will be enhancing our neighbourhood and city centre taskforces, recruiting a number of new staff to tackle issues like dog fouling, graffiti, and city centre cleanliness. We are also focused on our credentials as an employer of choice and harmonising pay structures across the organisation to ensure that our lowest paid workers are getting a fair wage.
"Any increase in bills is never a good news story for households, particularly in the current climate; but I want to reassure our ratepayers that we will continue to scrutinise council spend and remain committed to making further efficiency savings wherever possible, while also delivering on our community plan for the city and prioritising action on core council services and facilities, climate, and digital innovation."
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02 February 2016
Council Approves District Rates Increase Of 1.48%
A below inflation district rates increase of 1.48% has been approved by the Belfast City Council. The move is the first rise in four years. With inflation forecast at 1.7% according to the Treasury, the increase is less than the regional rate set by the Northern Ireland Executive which is in line with inflation (1.7%).
Council Approves District Rates Increase Of 1.48%
A below inflation district rates increase of 1.48% has been approved by the Belfast City Council. The move is the first rise in four years. With inflation forecast at 1.7% according to the Treasury, the increase is less than the regional rate set by the Northern Ireland Executive which is in line with inflation (1.7%).
08 February 2022
Belfast City Council Confirms Rates Increase For 2022/23
Belfast City Council has announced a rates increase of 2.99% for 2022/23. The increase will see domestic ratepayers pay on average £1.18 per month/£14.11 per year more; and £17.45 extra per month/ £209.41 extra per year on average for businesses.
Belfast City Council Confirms Rates Increase For 2022/23
Belfast City Council has announced a rates increase of 2.99% for 2022/23. The increase will see domestic ratepayers pay on average £1.18 per month/£14.11 per year more; and £17.45 extra per month/ £209.41 extra per year on average for businesses.
08 January 2019
Belfast City Council Pledges £500k To Reduce Bonfire Tensions
Belfast City Council has voted to approve a £500,000 funding boost aimed at reducing tensions around bonfires in the summer. The controversial move was met with criticism from Alliance, the UUP and the SDLP.
Belfast City Council Pledges £500k To Reduce Bonfire Tensions
Belfast City Council has voted to approve a £500,000 funding boost aimed at reducing tensions around bonfires in the summer. The controversial move was met with criticism from Alliance, the UUP and the SDLP.
17 October 2013
Belfast Council Launches Business Development Programme
Local manufacturers are being offered help with reducing costs and increasing profits through a new business development programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing subsectors.
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Local manufacturers are being offered help with reducing costs and increasing profits through a new business development programme funded by Belfast City Council. The Manufacturing Efficiency Programme is open to small and medium-sized companies in the city from the manufacturing subsectors.
04 February 2014
Belfast Council In 2nd Successive Rates Freeze
Belfast City Council has agreed to freeze the district rate for 2014/15. The decision marks the first time in the council's 41-year history that there has been no increase for two successive years.
Belfast Council In 2nd Successive Rates Freeze
Belfast City Council has agreed to freeze the district rate for 2014/15. The decision marks the first time in the council's 41-year history that there has been no increase for two successive years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
