‘Play your part in ‘Rates Rethink’ process’ – Ó Muilleoir | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

‘Play your part in ‘Rates Rethink’ process’ – Ó Muilleoir

mairtin1Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has published a consultation paper on the package of measures announced on the 22nd November.

This initiates a nine week consultation period, ending on 16th February 2016.

Speaking to Newry Times, the Minister said, “My Rates Rethink proposals are the biggest package of reforms to our rates system for a generation. I want to see a modern, fairer rates system, which encourages regeneration, investment and entrepreneurship, while at the same time discourages dereliction and decline.

“The changes I wish to take forward have fairness at their heart with everyone contributing according to their ability. They have three underlying objectives. Firstly, to spread the burden wider, secondly to be more discerning with the application of reliefs and allowances and finally, to use the rating system as a lever of social and economic development.”

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30th-nov-2016-small-boxThe proposed measures include:

• A new £22million a year Rates Investment Scheme for smaller retail and hospitality business
• Piloting Business Empowerment Zones in two areas (Lower Newtownards and Lower Falls Roads)
• Increasing rates on empty commercial properties
• Charity shops to make a contribution
• Charging the highest value homes more
• Removing the early payment discount
• Reducing landlord allowances
• Student halls of residence to start paying rates
• A three year rates holiday for first residents of new energy efficient homes

The Minister added, “It is vitally important that we get these changes right for future generations to help build growth across our society and that’s where you can play your part. This consultation will give everyone the opportunity for their voice to be heard on these important issues.

“I would strongly encourage people to respond to this consultation so that collectively, we create a 21st Century rating system that is responsive to both the views of ratepayers and the needs of our public finances in paying for our public services. The consultation is now open.”

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You can respond to the Rates Rethink consultation as follows:
• Queries and consultation responses should be sent to: ratingpolicy.cfg@finance-ni.gov.uk.
• Written responses to: Rating Policy Division, FinTru House, 1 Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Belfast BT7 2JA

The Rates Rethink consultation is now available on the Departments website at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/rates-rethink

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Posted by on Dec 23 2016. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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