This section gives you information on Council rates, including how they are set and how the rates you pay are used to fund essential services and invest in the growth of Mid Ulster.
What are rates?
Rates are property taxes that fund public services. For domestic properties they are based in the market value of homes. Non-domestic rates on properties such as businesses and offices are based on the rental value of the property.
The total rates bill levied on ratepayers is made up of two parts:
-
the Regional Rate which Central Government determines; it pays for centralised services such as education, emergency, health, roads, and law and order
-
the District Rate, which is set by the Council, specifically for local services such as bin collections and recycling, leisure and community facilities; building control; environmental health, tourism and recreation.
The Council sets its rate every February for the following financial year. In doing so, it balances the cost to ratepayers, maintaining the quality of statutory service delivery while delivering strategic investment and growth to the district.
Rates for 2026-2027
At a Special Meeting of the Council on Monday 9 February, it agreed the district rate for the 2026/27 financial year.
The rate rise agreed was 3.4% for both domestic and non-domestic properties. This means that the average domestic rate payer will pay an additional 34p per week..
Striking a rate that is then used by the Council to set its annual budget is a balance between agreeing a figure that, through efficient savings and management of resources, minimises the impact on the ratepayer.
Our budgeting approach remains focused on delivering the essential services residents expect, as well as reflecting what residents value the most.
How we will use rates income in 2026-2027
Alongside the delivery of the essential services our residents expect the budget for year will allow us to continue to deliver on priorities that are critical to the long-term health, wellbeing and success of Mid Ulster.
As well as targeting efficiencies without reducing essential services, we will continue to invest on the ground in our place, people and projects that help communities thrive:
Grassroots Sports Development - £250k grant fund for local sporting clubs and community groups to upgrade their facilities, alongside the distribution of £166K in our local areas to facilitate and promote sporting access and opportunities, assisting capacity building and empowerment within local groups
Community Investment Programme: Reducing bureaucracy through our new co-designed CIP, supporting groups with longer term sustainable planning
Community Capacity: With the implementation of our new Community Support and Investment Strategy alongside our key community and government partners, we will guide £2.71m of investment to help our community be stronger, more resilient, safer and more inclusive
Events: Our calendar of corporate and strategically funded events will continue to create a sense of civic pride and togetherness in our towns and villages
Our place-shaping investment programme will build a better future for all our citizens:
Leisure Enhancement: Completion of £4.1m improvements at Mid Ulster Sports Arena (part funded by Sport NI)
Recycling Centre Improvements: Progression of a new recycling centre in Maghera and continuing improvements to other existing sites
Maghera Regeneration Programme: Following successful completion of Maghera Public Realm, progression of the remaining elements of the programme, including a Wetland Park and Business Park
Bellaghy Regeneration: Working with our community and government departments, the project will create opportunities for Bellaghy to be recognised as a creative hub for the literary arts
Traad Point, Ballyronan: As part of the delivery of our PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, progression of the development of an educational centre at Traad Point to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness with future generations
Sliabh Beagh: Working with neighbouring local government partners, we will progress the development of a cross-border eco-tourism destination while preserving the unique natural and cultural heritage of the area
Guided by our Sustainability Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan, we will deliver:
-
continued reductions in our carbon emissions
-
ongoing work in environmental education through the delivery of our SCRiBE project across the district
-
initiatives that can take advantage of new investment opportunities to help with energy management and cost reduction such as solar panels and electric vehicles
We continue to secure and deliver strong economic growth opportunities focused on our place and people:
Major Infrastructure projects: Working with partners to advance key infrastructure initiatives such as the A29 Cookstown Bypass and the Desertcreat Green Innovation Park
Connectivity: Advocating for continued investment in our urban and rural telecoms and broadband connectivity
Business support: Ongoing delivery of the ‘Go Succeed’ programme, supporting over 250 local entrepreneurs with their start up ambitions, and creating hundreds if new businesses starts and jobs
Skills development: Our Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership will support over 100 residents on employment pathways and skills progression.
Sustained economic development: Our Local Economic Partnership (LEP) will start to deliver their action plan, driving sustained economic development in the region.