Mid Ulster MLAs and businesses meet to discuss Non Domestic Rates review

Local businesspeople and politicians have gathered for a public meeting about as part of a review into Non-Domestic Rating.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Feb 2016, 12:57 BST
Updated 3rd Feb 2016, 13:00 BST
Brian McClure DFP, Glyn Roberts NIIRTA, Local MLAs Michelle ONeill and Ian Milne with some Mid-Ulster Sinn Féin Councillors., pictured at the meeting in the Burnavon.Brian McClure DFP, Glyn Roberts NIIRTA, Local MLAs Michelle ONeill and Ian Milne with some Mid-Ulster Sinn Féin Councillors., pictured at the meeting in the Burnavon.
Brian McClure DFP, Glyn Roberts NIIRTA, Local MLAs Michelle ONeill and Ian Milne with some Mid-Ulster Sinn Féin Councillors., pictured at the meeting in the Burnavon.

The event focused on how to improve the flexibility for local businesses, and was hosted in the Burnavon Centre by Sinn Fein MLA’s Michelle O’Neill and Ian Milne.

Mrs O’Neill said: “Business rates are hugely important not only for local business but also for local communities, both rural and town centres. This review is happening for the first time in years, yet when I was discussing with local businesses few had been aware of it or had submitted a response. It is vital that business have an input into the rating system first hand.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brian McClure, from the department of Finance and Personnel, gave a presentation on the wide remit of the review and the current range of exemptions and rating system. Many traders raised the need for flexibility and increased frequency of re-evaluations, to offset sudden large rises and falls that makes planning for what overheads and outgoing business have very difficult.

Related topics:Michelle O'NeillSinn FeinBrian McClure