Northern Ireland ratepayers may be afforded more choice in the methods which they can choose to pay their rates, the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said.

Land & Property Services (LPS) is currently undertaking a review, looking at the range of payment methods which it offers ratepayers which will include consideration of the option to pay by credit card.

Mr Wilson said: "In carrying out this review, LPS will be consulting with consumer groups and other appropriate organisations. Decisions arising from the review will be made before the issuing of 2010 rate bills."

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The Minister also reminded ratepayers of the range of methods currently available to pay their rate bill.

In particular ratepayers are being encouraged to avail of the benefits of paying by direct debit.

The Minister said: "Direct Debit is the most flexible, secure and increasingly popular payment method among ratepayers. Approximately 300,000 ratepayers use this method of payment."

In addition to direct debit, ratepayers can make payments at any payzone outlet, post office, bank or building society, by standing order, or by sending a cheque to the address shown at the top of the rate bills.

To ensure that payments are properly allocated, ratepayers are always required to provide their account ID and ratepayer ID.

(PR/BMcC)