Accusations fly as council split over decision to increase rates Rise will mean an extra £9.16 on their bills this year for ratepayers Derry City and Strabane District Council's headquarters at Strand Road. Reporter: '); '); There were heated exchanges today as Derry City and Strabane District Council met to ratify its latest rates increase. The council have agreed to strike a rates increase of 1.89% which will equate to a yearly rise of £9.16 for each household in the council area. This was the lowest rates increase made by the council, and its predecessor Derry City Council, since 1973. However, the council was split on the increase, with some councillors saying that there should have been no rates increase this year as a result of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.