Mid and East Antrim: average householders’ bills to rise by around 90 pence a week as new rate struck
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council says a range of savings and efficiencies have been identified as it strikes a new district rate rise of 2.95%.
The rate - which council says is expected to be one of the lowest increases in Northern Ireland - was set at a special meeting on Monday (February 9). It follows months of detailed work by elected members and officers to keep the increase below inflation.
The proposed 2026/27 increase will see average householders’ bills rise by around 90 pence a week, while the weekly increase for average businesses will be around £8.
District rates help fund a wide range of services and facilities used every day by local people, including recycling, tourism, parks, street cleansing and sports development.
They also support cemeteries, leisure centres, economic development, environmental health, community centres, registration services, building control, community events, the Policing and Community Safety Partnership and dog control.
A Mid and East Antrim Borough Council spokesperson said the district rate not only pays for services but helps future investment.
“Securing a rate below inflation has been a clear priority for members,” the spokesperson said. “Since September, there has been significant work between councillors and staff to keep the increase as low as possible.
"Like all public bodies, a significant 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, where ongoing work continues to find opportunities to reduce costs.”
The council’s capital plan was agreed at a council meeting on January 14, 2026.
“This budget includes funding for all essential and frontline services, while also supporting a wide range of projects across the borough.
"Over the next four years, council’s capital plan will continue to deliver major improvements and long-term investment for our communities,” added the spokesperson.
Projects within the significant capital plan include:
- Belfast Region City Deal projects: c. £26.5m;
- Fleet upgrade programme: £3.2m;
- Carrickfergus Harbour refurbishment works: c. £2.8m;
- St Patrick’s Barracks enabling works: £2.3m;
- Mechanical and electrical improvements in council buildings (Carrickfergus, Larne, Ballymena): £2m;
- Larne Cemetery development (Phase 1): £1.9m;
- Seven Towers Leisure Centre refurbishment: £1.8m;
- New cemetery in Carrickfergus (Trooperslane) land purchase and development: £1.5m;
- Broughshane replacement community centre: £1.5m;
- Council contribution to Carnfunnock Country Park upgrade: c. £1.4m;
- Council contribution to Sub Regional Football Stadia Fund Programme: £943k;
- Ballymena Showgrounds pitch upgrade: £1.2m.