BBC News By Naomi Holland Eight of Northern Ireland's councils have agreed to increase rates bills for 2021/22, but three have decided to freeze rates at last year's levels. At 2.49% Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council voted for the largest rise in rates in Northern Ireland. While Lisburn and Castlereagh, Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid Ulster council areas will not see a rise. Rates pay for public services and projects and the bills are calculated on the value of a property. As with other sectors, the coronavirus pandemic has played a large part in the decisions taken by councillors when it comes to setting rates.