The Department of Finance has launched a 14-week consultation on changes to a range of rates reliefs and allowances.

The Department is looking for views from those who may be directly affected by changes to rates relief and from the wider body of ratepayers. There are seven proposals for changes to rate reliefs, three are in the domestic sector and four are in the non-domestic sector.

The non-domestic rating support schemes which are being consulted on currently benefit over 9,200 ratepayers and include:

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• Non-domestic vacant property relief,

• Industrial derating,

• Freight transport relief,

• The exemption for student halls of residence.

The Department is also seeking views on the removal of the following domestic rate allowances:

• The 4% early payment discount, which around 160,000 ratepayers take advantage of each year,

• the maximum capital value cap which applies to almost 8,000 properties valued at more than £400,000,

• 10% landlords’ allowance of rates on rented property which is paid in full by the 30th of September.

The consultation period for the proposed changes to domestic and non-domestic rate reliefs and allowances will end on 13 February 2024.