03/05/2002
Farren dispels rumours of rise in rates
Finance Minister Sean Farren has moved to dispel rumours of an imminent rise in Northern Ireland's rates.
The announcement follows hot on the heels of speculation about the Executive's ability to raise funds to match yesterday's deal from the UK Government.
Visiting the province on Thursday, May 2, Chancellor Gordon Brown offered the Northern Ireland Executive the ability to borrow billions of pounds, which would be used to improve public services such as transport and the water service.
However, the total sum of money lent to the Executive will be ultimately dependent on the amount of revenue it can raise, which could entail a rise in rates bills over the next few years.
A public consultation into the rates issue is about to commence, and Dr Farren stated that this comprehensive review would address what he described as a "very unfair" system.
He said: "We are engaging from his month in a public consultation on the rating system. That will look at all aspects of the rating system and whether there should be relief for certain groups, what kind of exemptions we should have and what should be the basis to the rating system."
In addition, Dr Farren said that any resulting rise in rates would not come into effect for at least two years.
(CL)
The announcement follows hot on the heels of speculation about the Executive's ability to raise funds to match yesterday's deal from the UK Government.
Visiting the province on Thursday, May 2, Chancellor Gordon Brown offered the Northern Ireland Executive the ability to borrow billions of pounds, which would be used to improve public services such as transport and the water service.
However, the total sum of money lent to the Executive will be ultimately dependent on the amount of revenue it can raise, which could entail a rise in rates bills over the next few years.
A public consultation into the rates issue is about to commence, and Dr Farren stated that this comprehensive review would address what he described as a "very unfair" system.
He said: "We are engaging from his month in a public consultation on the rating system. That will look at all aspects of the rating system and whether there should be relief for certain groups, what kind of exemptions we should have and what should be the basis to the rating system."
In addition, Dr Farren said that any resulting rise in rates would not come into effect for at least two years.
(CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2008
Rates System Rates Very Poorly: Audit Office
The NI Government is facing criticism as news of arrears of £130m in the rates system has emerged. The huge sum has built up because a new multi-million pound computer system is said to be "inadequate", the Northern Ireland Audit Office revealed. The auditors found the Rate Collection Agency's £10.
Rates System Rates Very Poorly: Audit Office
The NI Government is facing criticism as news of arrears of £130m in the rates system has emerged. The huge sum has built up because a new multi-million pound computer system is said to be "inadequate", the Northern Ireland Audit Office revealed. The auditors found the Rate Collection Agency's £10.
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.
25 October 2005
NI householders face rate rise
The Government has announced plans to raise rates in Northern Ireland by 19% next year. The increase, which was confirmed by Secretary of State Peter Hain on Tuesday, will see homeowners in Northern Ireland facing an increase of more than £1 a week in the average rates bill.
NI householders face rate rise
The Government has announced plans to raise rates in Northern Ireland by 19% next year. The increase, which was confirmed by Secretary of State Peter Hain on Tuesday, will see homeowners in Northern Ireland facing an increase of more than £1 a week in the average rates bill.
05 February 2019
Belfast Councillors Vote To Increase Rates
Belfast councillors have voted to increase rates for the incoming financial year. Residents will pay an average of 62p extra per month when the 1.98% rise is implemented across the district. It was approved at a meeting on Monday 04 February. Offices and retail rates will rise by an average of £11.51 a month, around £138 a year.
Belfast Councillors Vote To Increase Rates
Belfast councillors have voted to increase rates for the incoming financial year. Residents will pay an average of 62p extra per month when the 1.98% rise is implemented across the district. It was approved at a meeting on Monday 04 February. Offices and retail rates will rise by an average of £11.51 a month, around £138 a year.
14 June 2012
Skin Cancer Rates Growing In NI
More than 8,000 people a year are diagnosed with new cancers in Northern Ireland. Annual detection rates have risen since the 1993-1996 average of 6,228. And skin cancer (malignant melanoma) was the fastest-growing kind of cancer, with a 2.7% a year rise in men and a 1.
Skin Cancer Rates Growing In NI
More than 8,000 people a year are diagnosed with new cancers in Northern Ireland. Annual detection rates have risen since the 1993-1996 average of 6,228. And skin cancer (malignant melanoma) was the fastest-growing kind of cancer, with a 2.7% a year rise in men and a 1.