Mid Ulster District Council Strikes Rate for 2025/26
In what continues to be one of the most challenging financial climates in recent decades faced by local government, Mid Ulster District Council has struck its 2025 – 2026 rate at 5.1% for both domestic and non-domestic customers.
The decision, made at a special meeting of the Council this evening (Monday 10 February), means that an average domestic ratepayer will pay an additional 49p per week more for the Council portion of their rates bill. The rates that residents of the district pay are made-up of the District Rate (which is agreed by the Council) and the Regional Rate, to be set by the Northern Ireland Executive.
The continuing difficult financial climate, unavoidable pressures including a rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions and National Pay Award increases, and significantly, a shortfall in central government funding received by the Council through the Rates Support Grant meant setting a realistic budget that minimised the impact on local people was extremely difficult.
A proposed mix of savings, efficiencies, and increased income generation has been identified to offset the additional costs and minimise the impact on ratepayers; while remaining focused on delivering the essential services residents expect, as well as reflecting what residents value the most.
The Council will continue to invest on the ground in Mid Ulster, with several significant projects due for completion in 2025, including Maghera Public Realm improvements, part of the £9m Maghera Regeneration Programme which also includes a Wetlands Park and Business Park; a transformational project to significantly transform sports facilities in Castlecaulfield; the development of the Mid Ulster Environment and Biodiversity Eco site on the shores of Lough Neagh at Traad Point, Ballyronan, and a £4M investment programme to enhance Bellaghy and Bellaghy Bawn by creating a literary hub of international significance.
The Council is committed to providing over £800K in community funding, to support community groups and strategic events across the Mid Ulster area, while continuing to provide key events across the year, such as the Continental Market in Cookstown, Lumarina in Ballyronan, the Coalisland Bash, and at Halloween and Christmas across the district.
A new transformative integrated community development engagement strategy for Mid Ulster will, through a partnership approach with the local community and key government agencies, ensure maximisation of investment to our area and enable grant aid of over £1m to go to organisations working directly with residents.
The Council will be continuing to progress its draft Climate Change and Sustainability Action Plan delivering actions that will help build resilience to the potential negative impacts of climate change, whilst taking advantage of any possible opportunities that will contribute to a practical reduction in waste.
As part of the MSW Growth Deal, the Council will progress the delivery of critical economic infrastructure including the A29 Cookstown bypass and the Desertcreat Green Innovation Park in collaboration with Invest NI to help the region reach the ambitions set out in the Regional Economic Strategy.
We will support the growth of the tourism sector in Mid Ulster by rolling out a collaborative business growth programme and supercharge the Mid Ulster food sector by providing a platform for local food/craft producers/suppliers through the Taste Mid Ulster initiative.
The Council, as part of the new enterprise and business support service “Go Succeed”, will support 388 local entrepreneurs to achieve their start-up ambitions and support 400 businesses annually across Mid Ulster, to stimulate 128 new business starts and create 400 new jobs.
In 2024, 27 Mid Ulster businesses have been collectively awarded almost £320,000 from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund to adopt new digital technologies, and Council will continue to work with local businesses to maximise their opportunity to avail of this Funding during 2025/26.
Town centres and rural settlements are an integral part of Mid Ulster and we will continue to develop initiatives and maximise funding opportunities by working with all stakeholders to support their economic growth.
For more information visit www.midulstercouncil.org/rates
For advice on rates, housing benefit and rates relief visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/rates-help