At a meeting on Thursday 5 February 2026, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) agreed the 2026/27 district rate.
Chair of Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Brian Higginson, said: “We recognise that people and businesses are still feeling the effects of financial pressures. While inflation and energy costs have started to decline, the cost-of-living challenges remain significant for our ratepayers and we have worked hard to try to keep the rate increase as low as possible.
“We are confident that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will continue to have the lowest domestic district rate in Northern Ireland. This small increase reflects our commitment to supporting residents while safeguarding the essential services we deliver.
“Our 2025 Christmas programme attracted a record 165,000 visitors to the city centre, a 14% increase on the previous year and a welcome boost to the local economy. With planning granted for the public realm transformation in Royal Hillsborough, and an ambitious new Tourism Strategy, we plan to continue strengthening Lisburn and Castlereagh’s position as a premier visitor destination throughout 2026.
“The new Dundonald International Ice Bowl is now over a year into active construction, and remains on target for completion in 2027, creating jobs, enhancing our tourism offering and supporting businesses and driving economic growth.
“I want to thank my fellow Councillors and Council Officers for their hard work in setting this rate. We will, as always, work tirelessly to continue to deliver for our residents and business community.”
The council agreed to set an increase of 4.25% for both domestic and non-domestic properties. For the average household, this equates to an additional 45 pence per week.
The Vice-Chair of Corporate Services Committee added: “The council has given careful consideration to the district rate and budgets for 2026.
“We are focused on progressing our ambitious plans for the future, ensuring Lisburn and Castlereagh remains a vibrant place to live and work, with high-quality services that represent value for money.”
“This budget outcome will also support the continued delivery of key programmes such as our £130 million capital investment programme which continues to support the local economy, create jobs and strengthen our communities.”