Wilson highlights the help available to ratepayers

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has reminded ratepayers of the range of reliefs and entitlements available to them, in the week rate bills issue.

The Minister highlighted that help is available and that many people are not claiming the allowances to which they are entitled.

The Minister said: "The current economic climate is putting real financial pressure on everyone and in particular, many of our more vulnerable citizens. The Executive has responded to the challenges faced by local people by introducing a number of measures to support them during the downturn.

“As well as freezing the domestic regional rate for another year, a number of reliefs and entitlements have been introduced to help ratepayers, particularly those on a low income and pensioners, with their bills.

“The Lone Pensioner Allowance, for example, entitles pensioners aged 70 or over who live alone, to a 20% discount in their rate bill. Owner occupier pensioners can also consider availing of the rates deferment scheme, details of which I recently announced. This scheme can help older people who may not have the means to pay high rate bills but are not eligible for other reliefs.

“The Housing Benefit Scheme and the Rate Relief Scheme are also there to provide help to those facing hardship. However, many people are simply not claiming.

“There is also an entitlement to a 25% reduction in rates for households where the property has been suitably adapted to meet the needs of a resident disabled person. I would urge anyone who thinks they may benefit from any of these reliefs to look at what is on offer."

The Minister also emphasised that people who are struggling to pay their rate bill should make contact with Land & Property Services (LPS) and said: “Even if you are not entitled to any of the reliefs available, I would encourage anyone having difficulty paying their rate bill to make contact with LPS as soon as possible. They will review your circumstances and may be able to discuss alternative payment arrangements with you.”

Two new schemes for domestic ratepayers have also been introduced. Owner occupiers who bring their homes up to modern standards of insulation can apply for a one-off rebate, through the Energy Efficiency Homes Scheme. Also, first owner-occupiers of newly built zero or low carbon homes, completed after April 2010, may be entitled to rate relief under the Low Carbon Homes Scheme.

The Minister concluded: “Taken together, the range of measures introduced proves that the Executive is providing help where it is most needed. More importantly, it shows that devolution is providing real and meaningful help to households across Northern Ireland."

Full details of all these reliefs and schemes are available on the nidirect website at: http://ww.nidirect.gov.uk/rates or by telephoning 101.

Details of the reliefs are also contained in the booklet which all ratepayers will receive with their rate bill.

Notes to editors:

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