AQW 3448/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 22/09/2022
Answered On Date: 29/09/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department intends to review demand letters issued by Land and Property Services to make them easier to understand and minimise potential distress.

Answer:

The wording and format of rate bills and associated letters are reviewed regularly as part of the annual billing cycle. The documents are carefully structured to provide the ratepayer with clear and sufficient information to enable the payment of rates.

When a ratepayer fails to pay by the date due, LPS allows for a grace period before issuing a Final Notice. This document highlights the importance of taking prompt action as well as raising awareness of the consequences of failing to pay rates that have become overdue.

LPS is aware of difficult circumstances faced by many ratepayers, particularly in the current economic climate. Therefore, rate bills and letters offer opportunities for ratepayers to engage with LPS staff to discuss a wide range of payment options available to them. These options also include establishing payment arrangements that give the ratepayer additional time to pay.

It is not LPS intention to cause distress through its bills and letters when collecting rates. However, it is important that the letters are clear about the need to pay the bill and the potential consequences of failing to pay. If ratepayers engage with LPS, staff can take their circumstances into account when discussing payment options available to them.

The review process for the 2023/24 billing cycle will commence shortly and LPS will again give consideration to the content and format of information contained in rate bills and associated letters.