Menu
04/12/2002
Domestic rate reform firmly on the agenda
Reform of the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland has to be put on the agenda if essential infrastructure improvements are to be made, according to NIO ministers.
Regional Development Minister Angela Smith has warned that failure to massively increase investment in Northern Ireland’s water and sewerage infrastructure could have serious implications.
Speaking at the Belfast Waste Water Heritage Centre, she said that £3 billion must be invested during the next 20 years if the Northern Ireland public and business community are to continue to enjoy safe, reliable and quality water and sewerage services.
Earlier this week at a business lunch in Belfast on Tuesday December 3, direct-rule Finance Minister Ian Pearson said that the Re-investment and Reform Initiative offered a real opportunity to address serious infrastructure problems by planning for substantial future investment.
These pronouncements could herald the introduction of water charges to enable revenue raised directly to be used in a bid to stave off possibly hefty European fines if water standards are not met.
Former Finance Minister Sean Farren said: "The whole question of how we pay for the water service goes far beyond the single issue of whether water charges are introduced." While he said that the water service was "badly in need of restructuring and reform," Dr Farren warned that no move should be made to introduce water charges in Northern Ireland without "full, open and transparent consultation with the public".
However, with the average rate in Northern Ireland put at around £400 per annum, and the average UK rate nearer to £1,000 there are fears that the rises may be substantial.
Before the devolved assembly was suspended a review was underway, and many MLAs will be hoping that the issue is resolved while direct rule is in place.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Pearson said: “In the coming weeks we will be making further announcements which will show how mainstream public expenditure, along with Public Private Partnerships and the use of enhanced borrowing powers under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, can make a key contribution to the major capital investment required over the next decade."
He warned that "reform of the domestic rates must be on the agenda" as a move towards a "fair system where people locally were paying their fair share".
An announcement on further options for possible reform of the overall rating system based on the outcome of the recent consultation on the Rating Policy Review is expected by January next year.
(SP)
Regional Development Minister Angela Smith has warned that failure to massively increase investment in Northern Ireland’s water and sewerage infrastructure could have serious implications.
Speaking at the Belfast Waste Water Heritage Centre, she said that £3 billion must be invested during the next 20 years if the Northern Ireland public and business community are to continue to enjoy safe, reliable and quality water and sewerage services.
Earlier this week at a business lunch in Belfast on Tuesday December 3, direct-rule Finance Minister Ian Pearson said that the Re-investment and Reform Initiative offered a real opportunity to address serious infrastructure problems by planning for substantial future investment.
These pronouncements could herald the introduction of water charges to enable revenue raised directly to be used in a bid to stave off possibly hefty European fines if water standards are not met.
Former Finance Minister Sean Farren said: "The whole question of how we pay for the water service goes far beyond the single issue of whether water charges are introduced." While he said that the water service was "badly in need of restructuring and reform," Dr Farren warned that no move should be made to introduce water charges in Northern Ireland without "full, open and transparent consultation with the public".
However, with the average rate in Northern Ireland put at around £400 per annum, and the average UK rate nearer to £1,000 there are fears that the rises may be substantial.
Before the devolved assembly was suspended a review was underway, and many MLAs will be hoping that the issue is resolved while direct rule is in place.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Pearson said: “In the coming weeks we will be making further announcements which will show how mainstream public expenditure, along with Public Private Partnerships and the use of enhanced borrowing powers under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, can make a key contribution to the major capital investment required over the next decade."
He warned that "reform of the domestic rates must be on the agenda" as a move towards a "fair system where people locally were paying their fair share".
An announcement on further options for possible reform of the overall rating system based on the outcome of the recent consultation on the Rating Policy Review is expected by January next year.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
12 August 2022
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.
28 June 2018
Public Urged To 'Use Water Wisely' During Heat Wave
The demand for water has increased by 130 million litres a day, according to Northern Ireland Water. The public are being asked to help reduce the high demand on the water supply system by "using water wisely".
Public Urged To 'Use Water Wisely' During Heat Wave
The demand for water has increased by 130 million litres a day, according to Northern Ireland Water. The public are being asked to help reduce the high demand on the water supply system by "using water wisely".
29 November 2004
Further period of consultation on water reform
The NIO have announced a further period of consultation on the Government's proposals for the reform of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.
Further period of consultation on water reform
The NIO have announced a further period of consultation on the Government's proposals for the reform of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.
-
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.
