What rates pay for
Rates fund public services in Northern Ireland, both regional and local. Your rates bill includes the regional rate and the district rate.
Regional rate
The regional rate is set annually. The rate applies in each council area in Northern Ireland. This pays for services including:
- education
- emergency
- hospitals
- law and order
- roads
- social services and community development
All ratepayers contribute towards public services. There is no specific amount linked to availability or usage of any particular public service.
District rate
Each council sets an annual district rate for their area in Northern Ireland. This pays for local services including:
- arts, events and recreation
- building control
- leisure/community centres
- environmental health
- tourism
- waste management
You can get more information about your district rate and what it pays for in your area by contacting your council.
How rates contribute to public spending
The rates you pay contribute to public services such as health, education, justice and other regional services.
To see an example of how a ratepayer's rates contribute to public services, go to: