Belfast residents facing district rates increase of more than 5% which will be used to 'invest in improvements which will make a real difference to citizens'

In real terms, this means an average weekly increase of: £0.35 for a terraced property, £0.53 for a 3-bed semi-detached property, £1.18 for a 4-bed detached property, £0.34 for an apartment, £8.94 for an office property and £7.32 for a retail property.

However, the rise is down from last year's increase of 7.99%, which was one of the largest ever.

Councillor Christina Black, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: “While it has not been possible to avoid an increase in rates again this year, all parties have worked hard to keep this year’s rise as low as possible.

“Like everyone, our council is impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and continued high prices for energy, insurance and other services, but we have delivered significant savings in order to absorb some of those external pressures, while also supporting our own staff who deliver so many key services for our city.

“This increase will allow us to support our council workers with fair pay and also invest in improvements which will make a real difference to citizens. These include the expansion of glass recycling provision, funding towards new and improved pitches for sports clubs and an enhancement of our Christmas events programme to support the retail and hospitality sector.

"We will also continue to prioritise frontline services like dog wardens, street cleaning and community safety to support local communities, businesses and vulnerable people, while also working to fulfil the potential of our city to become a leader in areas like digital innovation and climate change.

“As councillors, we are committed to reducing the financial impact on ratepayers as much as possible - we recognise the pressures many households and businesses face, and will continue to scrutinise council spending and look for new ways to make our services more efficient and financially sustainable.”

Meanwhile, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has struck its new district rate for 2024/25 at 6.86%, whilst Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council's rates will increase by 3.98%.

Furthermore, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon councillors have struck the rate for the incoming financial year 2024/25 at 5.17%.

In addition, Mid Ulster District Council has increased its rate by 5.9% for domestic customers, with the non-domestic rate increase set at 5.9%.

The district rate pays for a wide range of public services, including waste management, tourism and building control.