05/12/2002
Changes to rating system to be phased in from 2006
The government has announced changes to the rating system that will see charges based on an assessment of market value of a home, rather on the present method of assessing the rental value.
It is hoped that the proposals will see additional revenue raised to help meet Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and investment needs on a basis comparable with other regions of the UK.
The move was announced by NIO minister Ian Pearson at the launch of the government’s public consultation report on the 'Review of Rating Policy' at a gathering of members of the valuation professions in Northern Ireland. The new rating system – expected to come into force in 2006 – is designed to be more transparent, fairer, and easier to understand by ratepayers.
Mr Pearson said: "The domestic rating system here is still based on the rental values, when most of us are fortunate to own our homes. The rental values were last reviewed 25 years ago in 1976, and even then they were based on late 1960s rental evidence. So it is hardly surprising that net annual values are no longer understood by ratepayers, nor does it provide a fair way of distributing the rating burden amongst householders."
The proposal will involve a "significant programme" of work to establish a revised capital valuation for all domestic properties taking several years to complete. It is hoped that the Valuation and Lands Agency will have new valuations available for 2006.
Mr Pearson said that there would be relief for those unable to pay under the new rating system. He said that there would be a further policy document for consultation on this and other aspects of the reform of the domestic rating system by the middle of next year.
There would also be a number of arguments for reliefs for small business, sustaining rural communities, through to changes to existing provisions for charity shops, universities and community halls.
On the question of water charging, which had also formed part of the consultation exercise, Mr Pearson said: "My colleague Angela Smith has highlighted the need for major reinvestment in our water and sewerage infrastructure in the order of £3 billion over the next 20 years.
“There are no immediate plans to introduce water charges for domestic consumers, but the scale of the investment that must take place is likely to require water and sewerage services to be self-financing by the end of the decade.”
(GMcG)
It is hoped that the proposals will see additional revenue raised to help meet Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and investment needs on a basis comparable with other regions of the UK.
The move was announced by NIO minister Ian Pearson at the launch of the government’s public consultation report on the 'Review of Rating Policy' at a gathering of members of the valuation professions in Northern Ireland. The new rating system – expected to come into force in 2006 – is designed to be more transparent, fairer, and easier to understand by ratepayers.
Mr Pearson said: "The domestic rating system here is still based on the rental values, when most of us are fortunate to own our homes. The rental values were last reviewed 25 years ago in 1976, and even then they were based on late 1960s rental evidence. So it is hardly surprising that net annual values are no longer understood by ratepayers, nor does it provide a fair way of distributing the rating burden amongst householders."
The proposal will involve a "significant programme" of work to establish a revised capital valuation for all domestic properties taking several years to complete. It is hoped that the Valuation and Lands Agency will have new valuations available for 2006.
Mr Pearson said that there would be relief for those unable to pay under the new rating system. He said that there would be a further policy document for consultation on this and other aspects of the reform of the domestic rating system by the middle of next year.
There would also be a number of arguments for reliefs for small business, sustaining rural communities, through to changes to existing provisions for charity shops, universities and community halls.
On the question of water charging, which had also formed part of the consultation exercise, Mr Pearson said: "My colleague Angela Smith has highlighted the need for major reinvestment in our water and sewerage infrastructure in the order of £3 billion over the next 20 years.
“There are no immediate plans to introduce water charges for domestic consumers, but the scale of the investment that must take place is likely to require water and sewerage services to be self-financing by the end of the decade.”
(GMcG)
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13 September 2006
Hanson defends new capital value rating system
Finance Minister, David Hanson MP has defended the new capital value rating system and reaffirmed his decision not to introduce a maximum limit, explaining that a cap would have to be paid for by other ratepayers.
Hanson defends new capital value rating system
Finance Minister, David Hanson MP has defended the new capital value rating system and reaffirmed his decision not to introduce a maximum limit, explaining that a cap would have to be paid for by other ratepayers.
21 July 2004
New rates plans necessary, says Minister
A new domestic rating system, due to come into effect from April 2007, means households in Northern Ireland will pay rates on a fairer basis, Finance Minister Ian Pearson has said today.
New rates plans necessary, says Minister
A new domestic rating system, due to come into effect from April 2007, means households in Northern Ireland will pay rates on a fairer basis, Finance Minister Ian Pearson has said today.
25 October 2002
NIO considers raising more revenue through rates
The NIO has been warned to conduct careful consultation after the minister responsible for the finance portfolio, Ian Pearson, raised the prospect of garnering revenues for public administration through the rating system.
NIO considers raising more revenue through rates
The NIO has been warned to conduct careful consultation after the minister responsible for the finance portfolio, Ian Pearson, raised the prospect of garnering revenues for public administration through the rating system.
03 July 2006
Government offer advice on rates bill
Over the next seven weeks householders across the province will receive a Valuation Notification Letter advising of their new Capital Value assessments, which will be the basis of their rates bill for 2007.
Government offer advice on rates bill
Over the next seven weeks householders across the province will receive a Valuation Notification Letter advising of their new Capital Value assessments, which will be the basis of their rates bill for 2007.
04 December 2002
Domestic rate reform firmly on the agenda
Reform of the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland has to be put on the agenda if essential infrastructure improvements are to be made, according to NIO ministers.
Domestic rate reform firmly on the agenda
Reform of the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland has to be put on the agenda if essential infrastructure improvements are to be made, according to NIO ministers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.