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07 Jul 2008

Views sought on data sharing to improve rates reliefs take-up

Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has published plans to introduce data sharing legislation as part of a strategy to improve the take-up of rate reliefs.
The proposals would allow the relevant delivery agencies to share specified information held by the Department of Works and Pensions on its Client Information Service system.
The aim is to identify and target those most likely to qualify for lone pensioner allowance, disabled persons allowance and the means tested rates relief scheme in order to increase take-up.
Outlining details of the plans, the minister said:
“On the return of devolution a priority of the Executive was to make a real difference quickly to the most vulnerable ratepayers, and pensioners in particular. The introduction of a lone pensioner allowance and an increase in the savings limit applied under the means tested rate relief scheme by April 2008 demonstrated this commitment.”
“However, evidence shows a low take-up of rate reliefs, particularly among pensioners. Therefore, as part of a wider strategy to improve take-up I hope to introduce legislation to give increased data sharing powers to relevant agencies. This will allow this information to be used to better target advice towards those most likely to qualify for the various rate reliefs, potentially allowing take-up to increase.”
Mr Dodds also stated that he knew many would like to see automatic delivery of rating reliefs and allowances. He continued:
“This is not possible at present as, taking lone pensioner allowance as an example, no organisation within or even outside government holds reliable data on whether pensioners who are aged 70 and over, live alone. What these proposed new powers will do is improve targeting of reliefs and make the verification system easier, with automatic delivery remaining a longer term aim.”
In taking forward these measures Mr Dodds said he was aware of the concerns of the public in relation to data security. As a result of the high profile losses of data that occurred last year a major review across the Northern Ireland Departments and public bodies was carried out on the holding of all personal data.
The minister added:
“Data action plans are now in place and data protection policy statements have been issued to all staff setting out a range of measures and protocols to which all must comply. These statements fully align with the eight principles of the Data Protection Act, as outlined in the consultation paper.”
Mr Dodds also stated that, as with other rating consultations currently underway, he wanted as full and varied a response as possible: “I am particularly interested in hearing what people think about the relevant agencies sharing data for the purposes outlined and on what Government can do to reassure them. I am committed to taking full account of what local people say before finalising the detail of this new proposal."
The consultation paper provides background to the Executive's decision to examine the possibility of introducing legislation giving increased data sharing powers to relevant agencies. It also examines what data is to be shared, for what purpose and how it is to be secured.
Views are welcome during the consultation process on the policy detail and the privacy impact assessment.
It is expected that the legislation governing the data sharing proposals would be in place by April 2010.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Figures suggest that take-up of the various rate reliefs is currently below 50%.
  2. Copies of the consultation paper and privacy impact assessment are available on http://www.ratingreviewni.gov.uk. Hard copies can also be provided on request by contacting Rating Policy Division.
  3. Consultation will end on 19th September 2008.
  4. 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
  5. E-mail responses may be sent to: ratingpolicy@cfg.dfpni.gov.uk. Alternatively, responses may be faxed to 028 9185 8008.
  6. 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.