NI 2026/27 regional rates set: 30.79p and 0.5559p

If you live or run a business in Northern Ireland, the regional part of your rates bill for the year to 31 March 2027 has been fixed by the Rates (Regional Rates) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026. The poundage is 30.79 pence in the pound on rateable net annual values for non‑domestic properties, and 0.5559 pence in the pound on rateable capital values for domestic properties. The Order is subject to affirmative approval by the Assembly before it takes effect.

Think of your final bill as two pieces joined together. The regional rate is set centrally by the Department of Finance, while the district rate is set by your local council. Your bill is the sum of both, issued by Land & Property Services (LPS) each April. The Department of Finance has told MLAs the statutory rule would be laid ahead of a March debate so bills can issue on time. (finance-ni.gov.uk)

Key terms decoded so you can teach them or use them confidently at home. A hereditament is simply a rateable property or unit that can be valued. Domestic properties are valued on their capital value (what the property would sell for on a set valuation date). Non‑domestic properties are valued on their net annual value (NAV), which is an assessed yearly rental value. LPS provides both valuations and updates guidance on how bills are worked out. (finance-ni.gov.uk)

A quick domestic example helps. If your home’s capital value is £150,000, the regional element alone at 0.5559 pence per pound comes to about £834 for 2026/27. Your final bill will be higher because your council adds its own district rate for the same period. Always check the LPS ‘Find a property valuation’ tool and your council’s district poundage before budgeting.

Now a non‑domestic example. If a small shop has a NAV of £50,000, the regional element at 30.79 pence in the pound comes to about £15,395 for 2026/27. The total bill will also include the relevant district rate for your council area. Reliefs may apply depending on your circumstances, so it’s worth checking eligibility early with LPS.

Why these exact numbers? The Department of Finance’s written statement confirmed the Executive agreed uplifts for 2026/27 of 5% for domestic and 3% for non‑domestic ratepayers, with the regional rate expected to raise just over £900m. Last year’s published regional poundages were 0.5294p (domestic) and 29.89p (non‑domestic); applying the agreed uplifts leads to 0.5559p and 30.79p, which the new Order now sets in law. (finance-ni.gov.uk)

Mixed‑use properties can carry both values. For example, a shop with a flat above may have a NAV for the commercial part and a capital value for the dwelling. In practice, that means two calculations on one bill: the business area charged on NAV and the home area on capital value, each using the same regional poundage and your council’s district poundage for the year.

What this means for you in the weeks ahead. If you’re a student or teacher, this is a clear case study in how a tax is set and presented. If you’re a ratepayer, check your valuation on the LPS service, look up your council’s district rate once confirmed, and factor in reliefs you may qualify for. The Department of Finance notes existing supports-such as rate rebate for low‑income households and small business relief-remain in place for 2026/27. (finance-ni.gov.uk)