Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has agreed a 2.79% increase in the district rate for the incoming financial year (2026-27)
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And in doing so, the local authority has described it as one of the lowest rate increases across Northern Ireland – following the approval of its annual budget.
The agreed rate, according to council, represents a measured and responsible approach, balancing the need to protect essential services and invest in local communities, while recognising the ongoing financial pressures facing households and businesses.
For the average household in the borough with a capital value of £110,000 this represents an additional 31 pence per week – or £1.35 per month – and reflects the new budget set for 2026-27. For a business in the borough with a NAV of £20,000 the increase is approximately £14.49 per month.
A spokesperson said: “Like councils across Northern Ireland, council continues to face significant external cost pressures, including rising energy and utility costs, inflation across contracts and materials, increased demand for key services and continued pressure on public finances. Despite these challenges, council has worked hard to limit the increase to the lowest possible level.
“The rate supports the continued delivery of vital frontline services that residents rely on every day, including waste and recycling, parks and open spaces, leisure facilities, environmental services and community programmes.
“The budget also provides for significant capital investment to improve infrastructure, support regeneration and future-proof services across the borough. This includes a £2 million Small Settlements Environmental Improvement Scheme for Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill, alongside £2.5 million to enhance community facility provision in Lurgan.
“Investment will continue in leisure and wellbeing, with new leisure provision planned for Armagh and ongoing works at Orchard Leisure Centre, as well as £2.1 million to deliver the council’s Play Strategy and a further £6 million investment in pitches, parks and open spaces.
“Cultural and tourism assets are also being strengthened through a £3.2 million expansion of the FE McWilliam Gallery and the Armagh Gaol Transformation Project as part of the Mid South West Growth Deal. A £3.5 million investment in fleet, plant and equipment will modernise council assets, improve operational efficiency and support the transition to more sustainable and lower-emission service delivery. In addition, a £1 million Financial Assistance Programme continues to support local community organisations across our borough. Together, these investments are designed to deliver long-term benefits, support economic growth and reduce future operating costs.
“Council recognises the pressures facing local businesses and has taken a balanced approach by keeping the rate increase as low as possible while continuing to invest in measures that support town centres, local enterprise and economic activity. This includes support initiatives such as the Empty to Occupied scheme, alongside programmes designed to increase footfall, including a year-round programme of events across town centres, free parking initiatives and the Shop ABC Gift Card scheme, which encourages residents and visitors to spend locally.
“Council also continues to invest in business support programmes and in enhanced street cleansing services, including dedicated clean teams operating in town centres and rural villages, helping to maintain attractive, welcoming places to live, work and trade.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “Setting the district rate is one of the most important decisions we make as a council each year. I am pleased that we have agreed a 2.79% increase – one of the lowest across Northern Ireland that continues to protect essential services and invest in our communities.
“This budget reflects careful decision-making, a strong focus on value for money and a clear commitment to supporting residents during challenging times.”
Every area of council expenditure has been “subject to rigorous scrutiny, with efficiencies identified across departments to minimise the impact on ratepayers. This approach ensures value for money while maintaining service standards”.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Jessica Johnson added: “We know that any increase is difficult, particularly with ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Council has worked hard to strike the right balance, keeping the increase as low as possible while ensuring we can continue to deliver quality services and invest in the future.
“This is a responsible and sustainable budget that supports local people, local businesses and long-term growth.”
Rates bills are made up of two parts – the local district rate which pays for council services and the regional rate which pays for services provided by central government. The regional rate has yet to be agreed.
Earlier on Thursday, the Executive had taken the same approach as 2025/26 with an increase of 5.0% for domestic properties and an increase of 3.0% for non-domestic properties. The proposal on the domestic regional rate element of the bill of an uplift of 5% would add 63p per week to the average household bill.
