AQW 5911/22-27

Ms Diane Forsythe
Democratic Unionist Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 08/02/2024
Answered On Date: 14/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance to detail (i) the number of properties exempt from paying rates due to being designated as for the housing of students; and (ii) the value of the rates deemed exempt for this reason for the 23/24 financial year.

Answer:

A total of 33 properties were exempt (or partially exempt) from paying rates in the 2023/24 rating year, as they benefit from a Non-Domestic Exemption due to being designated as eligible under Article 42 of the Rates (NI) Order 1977 and occupied for the housing of students. The total value of the exemption is £2,036,403.

My Department has just concluded a consultation on Non-domestic and Domestic rating measures including the exemption for student halls of residence. I will be assessing the findings of the consultation, alongside a number of other strategic areas that I wish to consider within the rating system.