Aiken slams regional rates rises

ULSTER Unionist Finance Spokesperson and South Antrim MLA Steve Aiken has commented on regional rate rises for 2026/27

He said: “The Sinn Féin Starmer-esque U-turn on the non-domestic Reval on rates had grabbed the headlines earlier.

“The Sinn Féin run Department of Finance now has the headline of rates rises of 5% and 3% for domestic and non-domestic premises.

“These increases were always expected and fall within the parameters briefed to the Assembly’s Finance Committee.

“As ever, the final bill faced by ratepayers will also depend on the district rate set by local councils. Those councils that are well run and fiscally responsible will be best placed to keep increases manageable.

“However, growing realisation that the Land & Property Services valuation methodology, which was briefed to and approved by the Sinn Féin Finance Minister was fundamentally flawed raises serious concerns about how future revaluations will be conducted.

“While this will not affect the 2026-27 rating year, these necessary changes cannot be delayed indefinitely.”