AQW 30860/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 10/03/2022
Answered On Date: 18/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance (i) what consideration he has given to including houses that have been vacated, by an unwell or infirm person being cared for in the home of a relative or friend, into the rating of empty homes exclusions; and (ii) how this can be brought into line with rating of empty homes exclusions for houses that have been vacated by a person who has gone into a registered care facility.

Answer:

The rating of empty homes policy was introduced in October 2011 to assist with wider policy objectives related to housing affordability and supply, as well as to raise additional revenue. One of the exclusions to this policy is that the person who owns the empty property has his only or principal residence in a hospital, nursing home or residential care home. Any further policy changes in this regard would not be possible given the time left in this mandate.