Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have said after “lengthy consideration and having regard to current and predicted inflationary pressures and cost increases, the Council has decided to apply a modest increase of 1.9% to the rates”.
According to ANBC, coupled with an anticipated Regional Rates freeze, this equates to an overall increase of 0.84% or 15 pence per week for an average household and is well below the rate of inflation.
This achievement continues to reinforce the Council’s reputation and track record for the lowest rates increases since the new Council was formed in 2015.
As a result of this careful financial planning, the Council has announced that the Borough is set to attract over £1billion of public and private sector investment. This will generate at least 2,000 new jobs locally and bring significant regeneration benefits and commercial opportunities to local suppliers.
The Council has also revealed its own ambitious investment plans which total £35 million which will see the development of new and refurbished facilities for residents, visitors and local businesses to enjoy across the Borough.
The Council recognises the challenges faced throughout the pandemic. As a result of the prudent and difficult decisions made during the emergency response, the Council will continue to deliver on the commitments made in its Covid Recovery Plan by supporting local residents, the community and voluntary sector and businesses, and looks forward to a sustainable and prosperous future for everyone.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP said:
“The rates process was difficult given the uncertain times we are experiencing, but through prudent financial planning Council have been able to deliver this low rates increase of just 15 pence per week for rate payers.
“Council will continue to invest in strategic projects which are linked to job creation. Through implementation of the Council Recovery Plan we will rejuvenate our places, support our people and rebuild for prosperity”.
The Regional Rate, which is normally determined by the Northern Ireland Assembly and is the same across all Council areas, has yet to be set.
The new rate will be effective from 1 April 2022.
Key Capital Project List
£5.4 million
State-of-the-art Crematorium facility at Mossley (Opening December 2022)
£6.3 million
Levelling up Funding Project including office development in Antrim and Glengormley, Glenwell Road and Glengormley Public Realm
£5.5 million
Glengormley Public Realm Scheme, Shopfront Scheme and Glenwell Road Redevelopment
£1.0 million
Antrim Boardwalk and Riverfront regenerations Scheme
£4 million
Investment in community facilities at Rathfern, Rathcoole and Muckamore
£1.2 million
Upgrade and expansion of Fitness facilities in the Antrim Forum
£2.1 million
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Project at Valley Leisure Centre
£1.6 million
Pitch Development across the Borough including Rathcoole, Monkstown and Valley Leisure Centre
£3.5 million
Development and improvements to parks, open spaces, car parks, walking trails and allotments
£950,000
Redevelopment of Jordanstown Loughshore Café
£765,000
New Skate Park at V36
£540,000
Upgrade and refurbishment of Northern Ireland Centenary Athletics track at Antrim Forum
£465,000
Illumination Scheme across Borough
£990,000
CCTV Scheme across Borough
£400,000
Mossley Mill Works
£230,000
Manifestation Projects
£160,000
Antrim Castle Gardens Café Refurbishment