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21 May 2008

Robinson seeks views on rating empty homes

The Executive is seeking views from the public on its plans to introduce the rating of empty homes.
Views are welcomed on the policy detail, the likely financial and social impact and the initial impact assessments.
The Finance Minister, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA today announced the publication of a consultation paper seeking views on the introduction of the rating of empty homes at 100% liability.
The Minister emphasised the need for the new measures to be introduced as soon as possible and illustrated the range of benefits that could be secured.
He said:
“A fundamental aim is to encourage people to bring empty properties back into use. For too long many buildings have sat empty through choice. This can have an undesirable social and economic impact, blighting local areas, discouraging wider investment and affecting community cohesion. By rating empty homes we can help to halt physical decline in built up areas.
“I want to encourage people to bring properties back onto the market or make better use of them either through redevelopment or by attracting new tenants. This should measurably improve the supply of available housing, while also securing additional resources to fund key public services, and will undoubtedly benefit all households in Northern Ireland."
The Minister continued: “I want to encourage as full and varied a response to the consultation as possible.
“The views that I am seeking should focus on the detail of the policy and how it would work in practice. This includes the application of any exclusions or initial exemption periods, the treatment of new property and possible measures designed to tackle rates avoidance. I want to ensure that local people and key stakeholders play a key part in shaping this policy."
The consultation paper provides background to the Executive decision to introduce the rating of empty homes. It also examines specific policy issues including exclusions, the possibility of phasing, whether an initial exemption period should be provided for and the interaction with other rating reliefs and allowances. In addition, the paper sets out the possible financial impact of the measure. Consultation will last for 12 weeks before final decisions are taken on the way forward.
It is anticipated that the rating of empty homes would be introduced from April 2010, with draft legislation brought forward to the Assembly early next year. The Minister emphasised that the rating of empty homes is part of a wider package of reforms agreed to by the Executive.
He said:
“Sound measures that have been introduced to date include a lone pensioner allowance, which provides a 20% reduction in rate bills to pensioners aged 70 or over living along, and an increase in the level of savings that pensioners can hold under the rate relief scheme. Further measures that will be brought forward include green rebates and improved data sharing powers. Consultation on these will also be held over the coming months.”

Notes to editors:

  • The annual revenue to be raised from the rating of vacant homes, given possible exclusions, exemptions, etc. is likely to be in the region of £10million.
  • Copies of the consultation paper and initial impact assessments are available on http://www.ratingreviewni.gov.uk. Hard copies can also be provided on request by contacting Rating Policy Division.
  • Consultation will last for 12 weeks, ending on 15 August 2008.
  • Written responses should be sent to:
Rating Policy Division
Department of Finance and Personnel
Room D12, Decant Annex
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7NA
E-mail responses may be sent to: ratingpolicy@cfg.dfpni.gov.uk. Alternatively, responses may be faxed to 028 9185 8008.
  • Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.