Councillor Lawrie Philpott explains vote against Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 2026/27 Rate

Inset: Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott

Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott has explained why he voted against Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s decision to strike the district rate for 2026/27 at a special council meeting, citing concerns over City Deal costs, long-term financial pressures and potential alternative savings for residents.

On Monday night at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in The Braid, Ballymena, elected members voted 19 to 17 in favour of the 2.95% rates rise. DUP representatives, along with Alliance Party and Sinn Féin members voted in favour of the rise.

Ulster Unionist Party representatives, along with three independent councillors, Bobby Hadden, Lawrie Philpott, and Rodney Quigley voted against the proposed rise.

Sinn Féin councillors, Bréanainn Lyness, went against the party line and abstained.

Speaking after the closely contested vote, the Ballymena DEA representative outlined his reasons for opposing the rate setting decision and addressed constituents across the borough.

Concerns over City Deal projects and long-term costs

Councillor Philpott said financial projections linked to City Deal projects were among the key factors influencing his decision.

He stated:

“I want to explain myself to constituents in the Ballymena DEA and to all residents in Mid and East Antrim, after I voted against the rate setting on Monday night at our special council meeting for the striking of a rate for 2026/7.

“I don’t think the rate was as low as we could have got to due to a number of discussions I had with other members, as well as council officers, throughout the workshops leading up to Monday night’s meeting.

“There remains the issue of the City Deal projects, which I have consistently stated we cannot afford, with unconfirmed estimates indicating they could cost Mid and East Antrim Borough Council approximately £5 million in additional expenditure over the coming years.”

The councillor also referenced concerns about the long-term financial outlook for specific projects within the borough.

I4C Centre and The Gobbins highlighted

Councillor Philpott pointed to the Ballymena I4C Centre and The Gobbins visitor attraction as areas of concern.

He said:

“That said, it has been widely raised on several occasions that the Ballymena I4C Centre is projected to remain in negative equity for up to 10 years or more — a position I personally cannot support.

“In addition, The Gobbins continues to incur hundreds of thousands of pounds in additional repair costs due to natural corrosion and damage caused by severe weather conditions, while generating nowhere near the level of income required to come close to covering those ongoing expenses.”

These concerns reflect ongoing debate within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council regarding the financial sustainability of major capital projects and their long-term impact on ratepayers.

Car park charges and use of underspend

The Ballymena councillor also raised the possibility of introducing parking charges across the borough as a means of easing pressure on the general rate.

He stated:

“There is also the issue of approximately 20 — or possibly more — car parks across the borough which currently operate free of charge. Introducing a modest and sensible fee for users would, in my view, be fair and reasonable, rather than requiring all residents to share the cost through the rates system, including those who do not drive.

“Furthermore, there was an underspend against last year’s forecast. In my opinion, at least part of that underspend could have been returned to ratepayers in the form of a reduction in the coming year’s rate. I would have supported a further 1% reduction.”

The issue of fairness for residents — particularly those who do not drive but contribute to the upkeep of free car parking — formed part of his argument for alternative funding approaches.

Close vote reflects “grave concerns”

Councillor Philpott emphasised that the vote was narrowly decided, reflecting differing views within the chamber.

He said:

“This is all well and good now, but there were concerns raised throughout the process which I believe are important to highlight.

“The vote last night was close and could have gone either way, reflecting the serious concerns held by elected representatives. As a democrat, I accept that I was on the losing side of a fair process in which each elected member had one vote.”

While acknowledging the democratic outcome, he signalled that concerns about financial planning and long-term affordability remain live issues among some elected representatives.

Commitment to constituents

Despite opposing the rate decision, Councillor Philpott confirmed his ongoing commitment to residents in Ballymena DEA and across Mid and East Antrim.

He concluded:

“I will continue to serve my constituents to the best of my ability through the remainder of this mandate, available to advise, assist and represent.”

The 2026/27 district rate will now take effect following the council’s decision, with the debate highlighting broader questions around capital investment, financial sustainability and the impact of council spending decisions on households across the borough.