AQW 14439/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 10/02/2021
Answered On Date: 18/02/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether any plans exist to enable councils to strike different poundages for domestic and non-domestic elements of the 2021/22 District Rate.

Answer:

On 5 February I introduced The Rates (Coronavirus: Making of District Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 to give councils additional time to make preparations before striking district rates, by deferring the deadline from 15 February until 1 March. On 11 February I introduced The Rates (Making and Levying of Different Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 that provide district councils with increased flexibility in the striking of rate poundages for domestic and non-domestic rates. This is a positive step which will give councils the freedom to set different district rates to achieve their local priorities.