Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has agreed to increase domestic and business rates following a meeting tonight.
The council has agreed to increase domestic and non-domestic rates by 3.64% in the next financial year, saying that it will allow it to "strike a balance" that recognises its challenging financial position and ability to invest in communities.
It says that the funding will allow it to develop facilities such as Dundonald Ice Bowl and 3G football pitches at Laurelhill and Lough Moss.
A council statement said: "Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has struck its district rate for the incoming year (2022/23). Both the domestic district rate and the non-domestic district rate have been increased by 3.64%. For a residence valued at £180,000 within the council area, the agreed district rate element represents an increase of £1.73 a month, or an increase of £20.70 in the year.
"The rate allows the Council to strike a balance that recognises the challenging financial context and the need to continue to invest in communities. It will enable a budget that helps deliver what matters. It will also provide the funding required to commit to much needed investment in facilities such as Dundonald Ice Bowl, 3G pitches at Laurelhill and Lough Moss, improved full fibre connection across the Council area and a range of community and environmental initiatives.
"Household and Business Rates consist of a Regional Rate which is set by central government and a District Rate which is set by the Council. The Regional Rate has not been set at this time."
DUP councillor Sharon Skillen expressed disappointment following the decision saying that it was something that ratepayers didn't need. Her party had proposed an increase of 2.2%.
She said: "Extremely disappointed that we didn’t get support tonight. With the cost of electricity, gas, childcare and food going up the least the council could have done was apply a balance like we have done for last 7 years. Just another hike for the ratepayers they didn’t need in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council."
