Menu
27/07/2010
Firms Struggle To Make Rate Payments
Rates arrears in Northern Ireland have soared to a record £157m, according to Land & Property Services (LPS).
The uncollected debt has risen by £19m from £138m in 2009 with nearly two-thirds of the arrears owed by non-domestic ratepayers.
John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LPS, said: "The length of the current recession has put financial strain on a number of local businesses and this has been clearly shown by the growth in rating debt in this sector. Despite an increase in the rates collected by LPS, difficulties for local businesses has led to a growth in the figure of uncollected rates.
"The figure of uncollected debt stood at £157million at 31 March 2010, but over £30 million of this has been collected in the last three months.
"The fact that nearly two thirds of the end of year figure relates to non-domestic customers is a cause of concern. This proportion has grown over the past year."
Mr Wilkinson appealed for businesses to contact LPS if they were in difficulties, to discuss payment options, highlighting that his Agency had a legal responsibility to enforce rate demands.
He continued: "Over the past year, we have issued 42,352 court processes against ratepayers who have defaulted on their payments and have been awarded 16,455 court decrees. Both of these figures are increases on the previous year.
"The fact is that we do not want to take ratepayers to court, but if they fail to speak to us about payment options, we are left with no choice."
The Stormont Executive has introduced a number of measures to help small businesses through the recession, for example the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and a freeze in real terms in the regional rate.
Significantly, the Small Business Rate Relief scheme came into effect on 1 April of this year and provides targeted support to businesses.
(GK/KMcA)
The uncollected debt has risen by £19m from £138m in 2009 with nearly two-thirds of the arrears owed by non-domestic ratepayers.
John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LPS, said: "The length of the current recession has put financial strain on a number of local businesses and this has been clearly shown by the growth in rating debt in this sector. Despite an increase in the rates collected by LPS, difficulties for local businesses has led to a growth in the figure of uncollected rates.
"The figure of uncollected debt stood at £157million at 31 March 2010, but over £30 million of this has been collected in the last three months.
"The fact that nearly two thirds of the end of year figure relates to non-domestic customers is a cause of concern. This proportion has grown over the past year."
Mr Wilkinson appealed for businesses to contact LPS if they were in difficulties, to discuss payment options, highlighting that his Agency had a legal responsibility to enforce rate demands.
He continued: "Over the past year, we have issued 42,352 court processes against ratepayers who have defaulted on their payments and have been awarded 16,455 court decrees. Both of these figures are increases on the previous year.
"The fact is that we do not want to take ratepayers to court, but if they fail to speak to us about payment options, we are left with no choice."
The Stormont Executive has introduced a number of measures to help small businesses through the recession, for example the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and a freeze in real terms in the regional rate.
Significantly, the Small Business Rate Relief scheme came into effect on 1 April of this year and provides targeted support to businesses.
(GK/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
09 June 2017
Rate Bills Issued For Home Owners And Businesses
Rate bills for 2017/18 are to be issued to home owners and businesses in Northern Ireland. The rate bill, which will be issued by Land & Property Services (LPS), outlines the amount due for the billing period 2017/18 and includes any unpaid arrears from previous years, together with any rate relief where applicable.
Rate Bills Issued For Home Owners And Businesses
Rate bills for 2017/18 are to be issued to home owners and businesses in Northern Ireland. The rate bill, which will be issued by Land & Property Services (LPS), outlines the amount due for the billing period 2017/18 and includes any unpaid arrears from previous years, together with any rate relief where applicable.
25 November 2024
Man Jailed In Connection With Annahilt Cannabis Farm
The PSNI has welcomed the sentencing of a man at Craigavon Crown Court in connection with a cannabis farm disovered in Annahilt in February, 2023. Clive Weir, from the Annahilt area, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 18 months on licence.
Man Jailed In Connection With Annahilt Cannabis Farm
The PSNI has welcomed the sentencing of a man at Craigavon Crown Court in connection with a cannabis farm disovered in Annahilt in February, 2023. Clive Weir, from the Annahilt area, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 18 months on licence.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
16 December 2011
Big Stores 'Tax' Boosts Smaller Ones
A levy on large stores across NI is to go ahead - but at a reduced rate than originally proposed. The 'Tesco tax' as it has been named means that large retailers might then limit investment - and cost job creation opportunities.
Big Stores 'Tax' Boosts Smaller Ones
A levy on large stores across NI is to go ahead - but at a reduced rate than originally proposed. The 'Tesco tax' as it has been named means that large retailers might then limit investment - and cost job creation opportunities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
