DUP defends backing 2.95% Mid and East Antrim rates increase

Elected members of the DUP party group on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Party says below-inflation rise safeguards services and delivers long-term investment

The DUP has defended its decision to vote in favour of a 2.95% rates increase at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, arguing the move was necessary to protect frontline services while enabling significant long-term investment across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne.

The DUP party group includes elected members Reuben Glover (Ballymena), Thomas Gordon (Bannside), Tyler Hoey (Bannside), Ruth Lawrence (Braid), William McCaughey (Braid), Billy Ashe (Carrick Castle), Andrew Clarke (Coast Road), Angela Smyth (Coast Road), Marc Collins (Knockagh), Peter Johnston (Knockagh), Gregg McKeen (Larne Lough), and Paul Reid (Larne Lough).

The rates increase, agreed for the incoming financial year, is below the current rate of inflation. The DUP Group said the decision reflects a responsible and balanced approach to council finances amid ongoing external pressures on local government budgets.

DUP rejects criticism of decision to support rates rise

Responding to criticism from political opponents, the DUP said claims of defending ratepayers were undermined by a lack of credible alternative proposals. The party said voting against the rate would have placed essential services and major regeneration projects at risk.

Despite the increase, the DUP said it remains committed to financial stability, value for money and long-term planning for the borough.

Investment programme central to DUP decision

The DUP said its decision to support the rate was closely tied to the scale of the capital investment programme agreed by the council, which it said will deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and communities.

Central to the programme are Belfast Region City Deal projects, including the i4C innovation hub, regeneration works in Carrickfergus and the Gobbins Cliff Top Path, with total investment of approximately £26.5 million.

The projects are aimed at driving economic growth and supporting high-value employment across the borough.

Other major commitments include a £3.2 million Fleet Upgrade Programme, designed to modernise council services in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner, and around £2.8 million for the refurbishment of Carrickfergus Harbour, protecting a key heritage, tourism and marine asset.

Impact on families, communities and services

Several elements of the capital programme highlighted by the DUP focus directly on community needs and essential provision for families.

These include £1.9 million for Phase 1 of the Larne Cemetery Development, expanding burial capacity for local families, and £1.5 million for a new cemetery in Carrickfergus, ensuring long-term provision across the borough.

Community and leisure facilities are also set to benefit, with £1.8 million allocated for the refurbishment of Seven Towers Leisure Centre, £1.5 million for the Broughshane Replacement Community Centre, and a £1.4 million council contribution to improvements at Carnfunnock Country Park, a major attraction for residents and visitors.

Sporting infrastructure forms part of the programme, including a £943,000 contribution to the Sub Regional Football Stadia Fund and £1.2 million for a Ballymena Showgrounds pitch upgrade, supporting sport, events and wider community use.

DUP spokesperson outlines rationale for vote

A spokesperson for the DUP Group said the decision to support the rate increase was taken to ensure financial stability while continuing to invest in the borough’s future.

The spokesperson said:

“Setting the rate at just 2.95% below the current inflation figure reflects our commitment to protecting frontline services while continuing to invest in the future of our borough.

“While some have claimed to champion the ratepayer, they offered no credible alternative. Proposals to remove the i4C City Deal project a cornerstone of long term economic regeneration while simultaneously calling for increased spending on fleet upgrades simply do not add up. Others continue to rely on the same old approach that would lead this Council down a path of financial instability.

“Our focus remains on responsible decision making, long term planning and delivering real value for the people of Mid and East Antrim. These projects represent significant progress in regeneration, infrastructure, leisure and community provision. They will deliver long term benefits for residents and help ensure Mid and East Antrim remains a great place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Commitment to value for money

The DUP said it will continue to prioritise efficiency, value for money and strategic investment as it delivers on its long-term vision for Mid and East Antrim, insisting that supporting the 2.95% rates increase was a necessary step to safeguard services while securing the borough’s future development.