Minister launches countrywide ‘Help With Rates’ campaign

A new promotion to make home-owners on low incomes aware of the benefits available to help with meeting the cost of their rate bills, has been launched by the Minister of Finance and Personnel, Dr Seán Farren.

Dr Farren travelled to Omagh to open the first in a series of countrywide public advisory days organised by the Rates Collection Agency to highlight the ‘Help With Rates’ housing benefit campaign.

Endorsing the proactive approach being taken by the agency, the Minister said: “The purpose of this campaign is to make owner-occupiers who are on low incomes aware that help is at hand when their rate bill drops through the letterbox.

“The agency’s decision to hold a series of outreach advisory days in all 26 District Council areas is to be applauded. By co-operating with the wider public, and the voluntary and community sectors, the RCA aims to help take the hardship out of meeting the cost of owning a home.”

Posters and leaflets have been distributed across Northern Ireland to increase awareness of the scheme and a Freephone Helpline on 0800 587 7477 has been set up to provide additional advice and information.

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