Figures released last night by the Department of the Environment show that ratepayers living in parts of Northern Ireland will see their rates bills increase by at much as 8.5% in 2009/2010.  Homeowners in the Fermanagh council area will see the biggest rise, up by 8.52% on last year.

Four councils have kept their rates increase below that of inflation, Craigavon, Down, Lisburn and Magherafelt, all see a rise of less than 3%.

North Down sees the second highest rise at 8.1%, closely followed by Carrickfergus at 7.9%.  Belfast has set a 6.97% increase whilst ratepayers in Larne and Castlereagh will see no rise in their bills this year.

The district rates are set by February 15th of each year and cover the costs of local services, including refuse collection, economic and environmental services.   Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said that the impact of these rises had been cushioned by an £8m package announced recently by the Minister of Finance Nigel Dodds. Mr Wilson said that the package meant “lower district rates than would otherwise have been possible.”

Click here for full listing of District Rates 2009/2010