The government has today revealed that help is available for householders who are having difficulties paying their rates bill.

All households across Northern Ireland should have received their bill from the Rate Collection Agency (RCA), and if anyone is having difficulty paying the bill, a number of options are available.

The RCA are advising people who own and occupy their own property and the

Northern Ireland Housing Executive will be offering assistance to those who do not own their home or are buying it through the co-ownership scheme.

RCA Chief Executive Arthur Scott explained: "As a first step, I would encourage any ratepayer who may have difficulty paying their bill to contact their local office. The important thing is not to ignore the problem.

"We can offer advice on payment methods, such as direct debit, to help spread the cost. Or, we may be able to alter the payment dates to help overcome a temporary financial crisis.

He continued: "In addition, some householders on low income may be eligible for Housing Benefit to help with the rates bill. Under Housing Benefit legislation, you can have up to £16,000 in savings before a claim is disallowed. The first £6,000 of savings is not counted. If you have savings between £6,000 and £15,999, the amount of Housing Benefit that can be awarded is affected."

Mr Scott concluded: "Each year we send out a number of Housing Benefit application forms which are not returned and I would be very concerned that people who may be entitled to claim are not doing so."

Anyone seeking assistance with completing the RCA forms should contact them on Freephone 0800 5877 477, or by calling into your Regional Rates office, where trained staff are available to help.

(EF/SP)