Lisburn and Castlereagh council has struck its rates at 3.99% "confident it is the lowest in Northern Ireland" despite concerns of "massive legal costs".
The local authority had listed the debate to be held behind closed doors, though this was changed in chambers on Thursday night (Feb 6) and opened to the public.
The rise was approved by a majority with just one dissenting voice on concerns the council was not investing enough in its assets and communities.
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Corporate committee chairperson, Nicholas Trimble (UUP) said: "I wish to propose an increase in the district rate of 3.99% for both the domestic and non-domestic rate.
"This means for the average household this will equate to a rise of just 41p/ week of an increase.
"We are confident that we will continue to have the lowest domestic rate in Northern Ireland and one of the lowest non-domestic rates."
However, independent cllr, Gary Hynds responded: "I have concerns, on the one hand I don't believe we are being realistic in terms of our assets and the required investment in the assets needed very quickly and also in community needs.
"On the other hand, I believe there has been an awful amount of unnecessary waste and that is partly down to a lack of investment in our assets. Also, the massive costs the council incurs, this year specifically, but in previous years as well.
"Some of them (costs) are unnecessary and due to mistakes being made without anyone being held to account and I find that very concerning.
"Respectfully, I will be voting against the recommendation."
A Freedom of Information request provided to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) found that LCCC's legal costs on judicial reviews, in the financial year 2022/23 were £728,105.41 compared to £610,073.67 in 2021/2022. The money was paid to 11 different legal firms.
According to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council's audit report, it spent a total of just under £45m on services, the year ending 31 March 2024 with a district rate income of just over £56m. The report states the district rate made up 57% of the council's overall income.
The current biggest capital investment in the district is the £64m re-development of Dundonald Ice Bowl with the council using £52m of ratepayers' money and Westminster's 'Levelling Up' fund paying the other £12m.
The local authority may also face a significant financial impact to its newly planned bin collection service as a DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) report on recycling guidelines is due to be published this year.
Alliance Alderman, Amanda Grehan added: "Yes, I agree with Cllr Hynds, on our asset management, our assets do need investment, our communities do need investment.
"I disagree maybe on the legal costs. They are extremely high due to our planning and other issues that we have to deal with.
"But I think if we want to invest in our assets and community we would need to think of a 10 year strategy on how we are going to do that. We do have to work that out so we are not crippling the public or businesses here.
"So, I commend what the officers have done."
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