06/09/2018

Primark Fire: Affected Businesses Not Liable For Rates From Date Of Fire

Businesses affected by the fire at Belfast's Primark store will not be liable for rates from the date of the fire, Land & Property Services (LPS) has announced.

Immediately following the fire at the historic Bank Building's last week, Land & Property Services (LPS) established a team dedicated to handle these cases.

The District Valuer is working with Belfast City Council officials and in the next few days will issue to ratepayers details of revised rateable values of all properties within the cordon. Rate liability for the properties inside the cordon will then be suspended, meaning that these businesses will not be liable for the rates from the date of the fire.

LPS has also been in discussion with a number of other ratepayers.

As has already been made clear, LPS are happy to discuss extended payment arrangements with affected businesses. Ratepayers may also be eligible for the Hardship Rate Relief Scheme. This rate relief is intended to assist businesses who meet the specific conditions to recover from a temporary crisis, financial or otherwise, as a result of exceptional circumstances.

Any business inside or outside the cordon who have any concerns regarding their rates should contact Land & Property Services (LPS) for further advice & information.

(MH/CM)

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