08/02/2022

Belfast City Council Confirms Rates Increase For 2022/23

Belfast City Council has announced a rates increase of 2.99% for 2022/23.

The increase will see domestic ratepayers pay on average £1.18 per month/£14.11 per year more; and £17.45 extra per month/ £209.41 extra per year on average for businesses.

Making the announcement, Councillor Aine Groogan, chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "For the last seven years, we have managed to keep the rates increase below 2% which has been a significant achievement; and while we are seeing an increase of above that this year, I am pleased that we have been able to keep the rise significantly below that of inflation.

"As councillors, it's important that we strike a balance between supporting communities, businesses and our most vulnerable as we move forward on our Covid recovery journey, and forge ahead with investing in and enhancing our services.

"We have worked hard to keep the increase to an absolute minimum, and below the level of inflation, while also delivering on our community plan for the city and prioritising action on climate, digital innovation and investment in council facilities.

"We have also committed to making further efficiency savings where possible in the next financial year."

Councillor Groogan said she was pleased to see that Council was taking its responsibilities on climate action seriously.

"Tackling climate change is something that Belfast City Council has been working hard to raise awareness on but more importantly, take action on. This new budget estimates that we can reduce our vehicles' C02 emissions by 90% which is a really good news story for our city and its citizens, as well as the environment," she added.

"We're also also focussing on our recovery roadmap which sets out delivery of a wide range of practical support – across Council services, our communities, the environment and digital innovation."

Belfast City Council has already delivered:

• £300m investment in council facilities including £105m in new leisure centres

• £9m Local Investment Fund

• £28.2m Belfast Investment Fund

• £4m Social Outcomes Fund

• £18.77m City Centre Investment Fund

• £8m Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund

• £850m Belfast Region City Deal including £100m for the Belfast Destination Hub

Councillor Groogan added: "While as councillors we will never rest on our laurels, I think we can be proud of what we have delivered for the city, and I want to reassure the ratepayers of our city that we will continue to scrutinise our services and remain committed to delivering for all the people of Belfast."

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