Belfast City Council implemented the highest increase at 5.99%, more than double the inflation rate. Mid Ulster District Council followed with a 5.1% rise, while Antrim and Newtownabbey increased rates by 4.96% and Derry & Strabane by 4.92%.

The lowest increases were recorded by Ards and North Down District Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, both at 3.65%. Meanwhile, Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council are set to finalise its rate increase this week, with expectations of a 3.99% rise.

Belfast City Council has cited rising National Insurance costs as a key factor behind its 5.99% district rate increase. According to a council spokesperson, despite the rise, efforts are being made to generate efficiency savings while maintaining core services, investment projects, and community development plans. Nonetheless, elected officials have left open the possibility of reviewing the rate until 15 February if additional funding becomes available from Stormont.

In addition to maintaining core services, many councils are investing in ambitious infrastructure projects. Fermanagh & Omagh announced a 31.25-million-pound capital investment plan, supplemented by 22.7 million pounds in external funding, to improve leisure centres and town regeneration efforts. Lisburn & Castlereagh is prioritising tourism and job creation, while Newry, Mourne & Down has allocated funds for new street-cleaning equipment and waste management improvements.

Causeway Coast & Glens, facing financial burden from rising utility and insurance costs, referred to debt burdens nearing 46 million pounds as a key factor in its 3.65% increase. Waste management has also become a pressing concern, with councils like Causeway Coast & Glens now fully reliant on third-party waste disposal due to landfill closures.

Moreover, the increase in rates places additional financial strain on homeowners and businesses already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. While councils defend the hikes as necessary for infrastructure projects and service improvements, ratepayers remain concerned about affordability.

With rates finalised for 2025/26, council representatives maintain that these increases are essential to sustaining local services, funding key developments, and ensuring financial stability amid rising operational costs. However, the public will be paying attention how these funds are allocated and whether they deliver tangible benefits to communities across Northern Ireland.