Officials from Cookstown Council are to be dispatched to inspect vacant properties in the area, in an attempt to gain ownership details.

The aim of the operation is to enforce the Department of Finance's new rates system for vacant buildings, which will no longer be exempt from the charge.

A council spokesman said: "In the coming weeks, staff from Cookstown District Council will be calling at selected homes and non-domestic properties for the purposes of obtaining ownership/occupation details in appropriate cases for the purpose of billing of rates by the Department of Finance and Personnel."

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Visits will be made to properties currently listed as vacant by Land and Property Services (formerly Valuation and Lands Agency) of the Department of Finance and Personnel. The inspectors will ascertain if this status is correct.

The Land and Property Services have given authority for councils to carry out this work on their behalf.

The inspectors have been suitably trained for this role, the council spokesman said.

All inspectors will carry photographic identification and letters of authorisation from both the Council and Land and Property Services.

Further clarification on this exercise is available by contacting Ivor Paisley, Director of Corporate Services at Cookstown District Council Tel: 028 8676 2205.

See: Minister Introduces Rates For Vacant Homes

(PR/JM)