'Realities facing the community' considered as Antrim and Newtownabbey Council strikes new rate
Households and businesses in Antrim and Newtownabbey can expect a rise in rates bills of 2.99 per cent for the next financial year after the district rate was struck during a special meeting of the borough council at Mossley Mill, on Monday evening.
DUP group leader Airport Alderman Matthew Magill moved the recommendation to agree the new rate, which he described, as “modest”, saying it has been brought to the chamber after months of hard work since September.
“Hopefully it will be one of the lowest rate increases across all of Northern Ireland councils for the year 2026/27,” he said. “This council has continually achieved the lowest average district rates increases in Northern Ireland since local government reform in 2015.”
He stated the local authority has been “meticulous in its financial management” ensuring rate-payers across Antrim and Newtownabbey get “value for money”.
Seconding the recommendation, Glengormley Sinn Fein Cllr Eamonn McLaughlin described the new rate as a “constructive and responsible outcome” which he considered may offer reassurance to those managing rising living costs. He added the council has “demonstrated sound financial understanding of realities facing the community”.
Macedon Alliance Cllr Billy Webb MBE said his party would be supporting the proposal, particularly at a time when constituents are facing “ever increasing prices”. He noted the “phenomenal amount of work” involved to strike a rate that is “fair and reasonable”.
Glengormley Ulster Unionist Ald Mark Cosgrove commended the recommendation saying it “represents outstanding value for money” and a “consequence of some of the work and difficult decisions which the council has had to make during the last couple of years”.
He went on to say “in the bear pit that is Northern Ireland politics, Antrim and Newtownabbey stands as a beacon of consensus politics”.
“Our ratepayers are still hard-pressed. It is still a very challenging economic environment. Hopefully they will recognise the prudence we have shown in striking this rate.”
However, Macedon Independent Cllr Stafford Ward said he could not support the motion expressing concern over some bin services by contractor Bryson, which he noted, has “caused great concern”. He said that he wants the council to “operate like a public service” instead of “like a business”.
Cllr Webb asked Cllr Ward to explain how the council could generate income or reduce expenditure. Cllr Webb maintained the council has to “operate like a business” and like a household stressing: “You can’t spend more than you get.”
Cllr Ward suggested a saving could be made by the relocation of street sweepers which have to travel to Newtownabbey from Antrim, for example.
Councillors proceeded to approve the proposed new district rate.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the council said the increase, which is lower than the current rate of inflation, equates to an increase of £14.67 per year or 28 pence per week for an average household. It was also noted it is one of the lowest district rates increases across other councils in Northern Ireland.
The Mayor Cllr Leah Kirkpatrick commented: “A 2.99% increase will allow us to maintain our essential services while still driving economic growth and enhancing our services, ensuring our borough is a prime location to live, work, invest and visit.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter