Executive responding decisively to credit crunch - Dodds

The Executive continues to provide local solutions for local people according to Finance Minister Nigel Dodds. He was speaking as the Assembly debated the Executive’s response to the economic downturn.

Speaking after the debate the minister said: “We face a global recession like no other we've experienced in a generation or more, directly affecting households, business and government. We are living in challenging times. That said, as a devolved Executive we have been able to deliver for local people.

“I can already point to the deferment of water charges and the freezing of the domestic regional rate which provides further help for every rate paying householder.

“Better targeting of relief has been achieved since devolution was restored through lifting the pensioner savings threshold that applies to the low income relief scheme from £16,000 to £50,000, introducing the lone pensioner allowance and keeping the early payment discount.

“The council package I announced before Christmas played its part in helping to keep the district rate increases as low as possible in all 26 District Council areas, thus reducing overall rate bills on ratepayers. These are all measures that will help the needy through this recession and all of these are already in place.

“I also plan to introduce a deferment scheme for pensioners, provide rebates for those who own their own homes and invest in energy efficiency. Households who are dependent on the survival and success of our smaller businesses will also be helped next year through a small business rate relief scheme.

“In addition I am focusing on the issue of take up of reliefs and rebates, so that hard pressed families and our pensioners receive all their entitlements. It is important, particularly during this economic downturn for people to regard applying as their civic duty, and so help the circulation of money within our local communities. I want to ensure that people are aware of what they are due and for the application process to be made as easy as possible.

“No other region of the UK can claim to have responded so decisively to the worsening economic outlook. I am committed to continuously working to improve the local economy and to keep the Executive focused on delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

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