Northern Ireland's average household rate bills will be around half those in England, the Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has said.

He revealed the news as the Department for Communities and Local Government in England announced that council tax bills there would rise by 3% next year to £1,414, the average for the mid range council tax band.

In Northern Ireland, the Executive has decided to freeze regional rates until 31 March 2011 and the average bill next year will be £736.

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Mr Dodds said: "The news that the average Council Tax bill in England will now be almost double that in Northern Ireland is further evidence of how the Executive is supporting local households through the recession.

"Local ratepayers are benefiting from a three-year freeze on the regional rate that is helping keep money in householders' pockets at this difficult time.

"This is just one example of how the Executive is working to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. Unlike England, where the average water bill is around £330 this year, the Executive has deferred water charges."

(PR/BMcC)