09 Apr 2008
Rate bills - more help for pensioners
This year, there may be good news for some ratepayers aged 70 or over, who live on their own.
Under the new ‘Lone Pensioner Allowance’ scheme pensioners who qualify will be entitled to a reduction of 20% on their 2008/2009 rate bills.
The new scheme is not means-tested, so details of income and savings are not needed, and getting an application form is easy:
- if you own your home, simply phone our helpline on 084 5300 6360, minicom 084 5300 6361; or
- if you rent your home, contact the Housing Executive on 084 4892 0902.
Explaining the new rating relief, Chief Executive of Land and Property Services, John Wilkinson, said:
‘’While the Lone Pensioner Allowance is a scheme to help those who are aged 70 or over, and who live alone, there are circumstances in which people may be entitled to this rate relief even if they are do not live alone. For example, if they have a resident carer or someone who normally lives with them is in long term care, or in hospital.
"I would urge anyone with older relatives or friends who might be entitled to the Lone Pensioner Allowance to make sure that they know about this help and how to apply."
Highlighting the range of other reliefs available, Mr Wilkinson added:
“I would encourage as many people as possible to apply for the various rate reliefs that are now in place.
“Help is available for people on low incomes through the Housing Benefit Scheme and the Rate Relief Scheme. While eligibility for these schemes depends on a range of factors, including individual and household income levels, the new savings limit for pensioners applying for the Rate Relief Scheme has been raised from £16,000 to £50,000.
‘’Other schemes include the Disabled Person’s Allowance and help for people who are in full time education or training, aged under 18 or for young people leaving care.’’
Application forms for any of these schemes by phone from Land and Property Services on: 084 5300 6360 or from the Housing Executive on: 08448 920902.
- In November 2007 the Finance Minister, Peter Robinson, announced the outcome of the Executive’s Review of Domestic Rating. The outcome included a 20% single pensioner reduction for those ratepayers aged 70 and over, who live alone, and an increase in the savings threshold from £16,000 to £50,000 for pensioners under the existing lower income Rate Relief Scheme, both to take effect from 1 April 2008. (Eligibility for the Rate Relief Scheme, which is means tested, depends on a number of factors including individual and household income levels.)
- The Lone Pensioner Allowance adds to an already existing range of rate reliefs, which include Housing Benefit, Rate Relief, Disabled Person’s Allowance, help for people in full-time education or training, under 18s and young people leaving care. Details of the full range of help will be enclosed with rate bills.
- The Lone Pensioner Allowance is administered by Land and Property Services for the owner-occupier sector and by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for the rental sector.
- Land and Property Services is the new executive agency within the Department of Finance and Personnel formed by the merger of the former Valuation and Lands Agency and the Rate Collection Agency. From 1 April 2008 it will be joined by Land Registers of Northern Ireland and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
- Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
