Mid and East Antrim Borough Council agrees 2.95% rates increase

TL;DR: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed a 2.95% district rate increase for 2026/27. The rise is expected to be among the lowest in Northern Ireland, adding around 90p per week for households and £8 per week for average businesses, while protecting frontline services and funding major capital projects.

Rates increase kept below inflation

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed a 2.95% district rate increase, describing it as a balanced response to ongoing financial pressures.

The rate was approved at a special council meeting on Monday, 9 February, following months of financial planning by elected members and council officers. The aim, the council said, was to keep the increase below inflation while continuing to protect essential services across the borough.

The proposed 2026/27 rates increase will see:

• Average household bills rise by around 90 pence per week
• Average business rates increase by approximately £8 per week

What district rates pay for

District rates fund a wide range of everyday services used by residents and businesses across the borough, including:

• Recycling and waste services
• Parks, tourism and leisure facilities
• Street cleansing and environmental health
• Sports development and community centres
• Cemeteries and registration services
• Building control and dog control
• Economic development initiatives
• Community events
• Policing and Community Safety Partnership support

A council spokesperson said the district rate also plays a key role in supporting future investment and long-term development.

Council highlights savings and efficiencies

The spokesperson said securing a rate increase below inflation was a clear priority.

“Since September, there has been significant work between councillors and staff to keep the increase as low as possible,” they said.

“Like all public bodies, a large proportion of our budget relates to rising service and operational costs. Alongside careful financial management, a range of savings and efficiencies have been identified across council services, with ongoing work to reduce costs further where possible.”

Major capital investment agreed

The council also approved its capital plan on 14 January 2026, outlining significant investment across Mid and East Antrim over the next four years.

The plan includes funding for essential infrastructure, frontline services and long-term community improvements.

Key projects include:

• Belfast Region City Deal projects: approximately £26.5 million
• Fleet Upgrade Programme: £3.2 million
• Carrickfergus Harbour refurbishment: approximately £2.8 million
• St Patrick’s Barracks enabling works: £2.3 million
• Mechanical and electrical upgrades in council buildings across Carrickfergus, Larne and Ballymena: £2 million
• Larne Cemetery development (Phase 1): £1.9 million
• Seven Towers Leisure Centre refurbishment: £1.8 million
• New Carrickfergus cemetery at Trooperslane: £1.5 million
• Broughshane Replacement Community Centre: £1.5 million
• Carnfunnock Country Park upgrade contribution: approximately £1.4 million
• Sub Regional Football Stadia Fund contribution: £943,000
• Ballymena Showgrounds pitch upgrade: £1.2 million