Council Agrees its District Rate for the Year Ahead

February 6, 2020

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has struck its district rate for the incoming year (2020/21). The domestic rate has been set at 3.98%, and the non-domestic rate has set at -0.03%.

For a residence valued at £150,000 within the council area, the agreed district rate element represents an increase of £1.51 a month, or an increase of £18.15 in the year.

Councillor Ryan Carlin, Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, proposed the district rate at a Special Meeting of Council, which took place on Thursday 6th February. He said: “Our priorities in the year ahead are to improve our communities and deliver a continued positive family experience at our leisure facilities through the Vitality scheme while also ensuring we, as a council, are prepared for changing economic circumstances, with the UK due to exit the transition period on the 31st December 2020 and during this financial year.  As the local authority, we are proud to play our part in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to the area.  We will be creating a pop-up gym at the Billy Neill MBE Country Park and improving our pitches across Lisburn Castlereagh in addition to the development of play parks at Grove, Halftown, Ballybeen, Hydebank and Tonagh.

“The council has a strong commitment to making efficiency savings and during the next year it will be implementing policies to reduce costs and introduce more sustainable practices. One such measure is the implementation of a kerbside pilot scheme that will provide higher quality and increased amounts of recyclable material, which will contribute to our economic resilience. 

“Through our partnership in Belfast Region City deal we will be progressing our business cases to develop opportunities that will make Hillsborough a world class heritage attraction.  These developments alongside other capital projects will ensure that Lisburn Castlereagh continues to be the best place to live, work and play while being a cost-effective and business-friendly location.

“The budget reflects the future sustainable development, growth and enhancement of the Lisburn Castlereagh area in the best interests of all,” he said.

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.