In 2025/26 Advice NI saw users with rates debt of a total of £1,066,170, up from £705,558 in 2024/25.
Advice NI’s head of Money, Debt and Quality, Sinéad Campbell, says that stagnant wages and rising costs are pushing more people into debt.
With most users waiting two years before seeking help with mounting debt, Campbell expects that reported rates debt will increase sharply as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
“Our research tells us that more people are having difficulty balancing the cost of running their home alongside other essential outgoings,” she said.
“We want people to understand that rates bills should be treated as a priority debt.
“Falling behind on this payment can lead to serious financial and legal consequences…