Rate 2025/26

At the Council meeting on Wednesday 29 January 2025, Council struck the district rate for the Borough for 2025/26. The rate rise is 3.65% for both domestic and non-domestic properties. This is an increase of approximately £1.75 per month for the average household and £5 per month for the average business in the Borough.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart said:

"For the 2025/26 year, we have agreed an increase in the domestic and non-domestic rate of 3.65% - this means an increase of approximately £1.75 per month for the average household and approximately £5 per month for the business in the Borough.

Alongside all the statutory local government duties you will be very familiar with, this budget will enable our Council to deliver on some very significant priorities that are critical to the future health and prosperity of our Borough.

This evening, I feel great pride and excitement as we embark on a transformative journey towards a Sustainable Borough, as outlined in our new Corporate Plan for 2024-2028. Our vision is clear: every decision we make will consider the economic, environmental, and social impacts, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The decline in the non-domestic rate base in Ards and North Down is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. More will be required, but we have taken the first steps in budgetary terms to support increased economic growth and prosperity.

We are making significant strides in economic sustainability with major investments in the Newtownards Citizen's Hub and the Bangor Waterfront Scheme. These projects, along with our support for the Bangor Business Improvement District and the strategic development of the former NIE site, will breathe new life into our economy. Our 'vacant to vibrant' scheme aims to revitalise derelict commercial properties, while the Belfast City Deal Innovation Hub at Holywood will drive innovation and growth within the Borough's creative sector. We are also streamlining operations and providing a catalyst for change with the office rationalisation and new civic office project, and funding prestigious events like Sea Bangor, Comber Earlies, Portavogie Tide and Turf and Armed Forces Day in Ards, which will boost our local economy and community spirit.

Our commitment to social sustainability is unwavering. We are increasing grants for arts and heritage, community projects and sports development. A new community facilities strategy is in the works, along with expanded summer schemes and enhanced pitch maintenance, as well as funding to take forward the Council's new Leisure Strategy.  With the focus on ensuring thriving communities.

On the environmental front, we are allocating further funding for energy efficiency initiatives, introducing electric vehicles and charging points, and investing in biodiversity, tree planting strategies, outdoor recreation, and 'in-bloom' grants. We are increasing funding for parks and greenway infrastructure and promoting sustainable waste measures at events. These efforts will help us create a greener, more sustainable environment for future generations.

Financially, we are maintaining a general reserve of 7.5%, deploying over £1m in strategic reserves for key initiatives, advancing our digital strategy, achieving £1.7m in efficiencies and savings, and funding long-term capital ambitions. These measures demonstrate our commitment to economic growth, social wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and financial prudence.

Together, we are building a Sustainable Borough that we can all be proud of. There is much to be done and much to look forward to in the year ahead.

I want to reassure our ratepayers that we will continue to scrutinise council spending. We remain committed to making further efficiency savings wherever possible while maintaining and enhancing our services and continuing to invest in the Borough."