Alliance Councillor Billy Webb has welcomed Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s setting of its residential rates to 1.99 per cent, the lowest increase across Northern Ireland since the creation of the ‘super councils’ in 2015.

Councillor Webb was speaking after the Council announced the increase, which comes into effect on April 1.

“I am pleased Antrim and Newtownabbey has seen the smallest increase since the merger of the Councils, and still below the rate of inflation,” he said.

“My thanks go to Council officers, my colleagues and Councillors from other parties, who were able to come together to face the challenges in front of us and strike this rate, in addition to a reduction in the business rate.

“It means ratepayers in the Borough will benefit, seeing investment in a number of projects across the area and value for money from Council services, as well as being able to balance household budgets and maintain their standard of living.

“Alliance will continue to push for further efficiencies across the Council to ensure best value for ratepayers’ money.”