District rates
What is the district rate?
Each year we estimate our income and expenditure for the next financial year. Based on these estimates, we set a district rate for that financial year. This is the amount of money we need from ratepayers to allow us to deliver our planned services.The district rate is fixed annually by each council and the rate will vary from council to council.
What does it pay for?
Income from the district rate is used to meet the costs of providing services like:- leisure centres
- bin collections and waste disposal
- street cleaning
- community services
- parks such as Botanic Gardens
- events such as festivals
- economic initiatives
- building control
- cemeteries.
- Belfast Zoo
- Waterfront Hall
- Ulster Hall
- Belfast City Hall
- Belfast Castle
- Malone House
- St George's Market
- Smithfield Market.



