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27/06/2006
Students to be exempt from paying rates
Young people in full-time education and training will now be exempt from paying domestic rates and eligible for the new water charge affordability tariff.
The move, which is just one out of a number of domestic rate relief packages to vulnerable groups, will be officially announced next Monday, and aims to encourage more young people to stay on in education or training.
The announcement will also bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. Secretary of State, Peter Hain, made the revelation earlier today during a visit to North Down and Ards Institute in Bangor.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Hain outlined what the move would mean to young people. He said: “I am keen to ensure that as many of our young people as possible remain in full-time education and training. By bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, I am removing a potential barrier for those who wish to continue their learning, ensuring they can avail fully of the opportunities education and training can afford them.
“Through it, we can improve the chances of people obtaining the relevant qualifications and skills that local businesses need and demand in order for them to thrive and compete in an ever changing global marketplace.”
The package will provide full relief from rates and eligibility for the new water affordability tariff to those in full-time training and education where they are either the sole occupant of a property, or where every member of the household is in education or training.
A full exemption from rates will also be awarded on University Halls of Residence. In addition, all those aged between 16 and 17-years-old, and all those leaving care, up to age 21, will also be fully exempt from rates.
Each of these measures will take effect from April 2007.
(EF/GB)
The move, which is just one out of a number of domestic rate relief packages to vulnerable groups, will be officially announced next Monday, and aims to encourage more young people to stay on in education or training.
The announcement will also bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. Secretary of State, Peter Hain, made the revelation earlier today during a visit to North Down and Ards Institute in Bangor.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Hain outlined what the move would mean to young people. He said: “I am keen to ensure that as many of our young people as possible remain in full-time education and training. By bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, I am removing a potential barrier for those who wish to continue their learning, ensuring they can avail fully of the opportunities education and training can afford them.
“Through it, we can improve the chances of people obtaining the relevant qualifications and skills that local businesses need and demand in order for them to thrive and compete in an ever changing global marketplace.”
The package will provide full relief from rates and eligibility for the new water affordability tariff to those in full-time training and education where they are either the sole occupant of a property, or where every member of the household is in education or training.
A full exemption from rates will also be awarded on University Halls of Residence. In addition, all those aged between 16 and 17-years-old, and all those leaving care, up to age 21, will also be fully exempt from rates.
Each of these measures will take effect from April 2007.
(EF/GB)
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An estimated 26,000 young people aged 16-24 in Northern Ireland were not in education, employment or training (NEET) between July and September 2020, according to the latest statistics. The figures is the equivalent to 13.2% of all those aged 16-24 years, and shows that the NI number is higher that the UK average of 12.4%.
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NI Further Education Colleges to merge
Northern Ireland's 16 Further Education Colleges will merge into six larger area-based groupings following a review of the sector, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
