Glossary · UK
What is Regional Rate (Northern Ireland)?
The Regional Rate is the portion of Northern Ireland's domestic and non-domestic property rates set by the NI Executive to fund region-wide public services.
Full Definition
Northern Ireland does not use Council Tax. Instead, property owners and occupiers pay rates, made up of two parts: the Regional Rate, set annually by the NI Executive and Assembly, and the District Rate, set by each of the 11 local councils. Together these form a combined poundage applied to a property's capital value (for domestic property, based on its assessed value as at 1 January 2005) or its net annual value (for non-domestic property). Your annual bill is the property's value multiplied by the total rate poundage, with the Regional Rate funding services delivered across the whole region such as roads, health and education, while the District Rate funds local council services. Land & Property Services administers and collects rates and decides valuations and reliefs. Various reliefs and support exist, including the Rate Relief Scheme for low-income households, Lone Pensioner Allowance, disabled person and Disabled Persons Allowance reductions, and exemptions for certain properties. Because rates are devolved, this system differs entirely from Council Tax in England, Wales and Scotland, and the exact poundage varies by council area and is confirmed each year as part of the NI budget.