Vacant properties in Northern Ireland will no longer be exempt from rates bills, under proposals brought forward by Finance Minister Nigel Dodds

Owners of unoccupied homes will now be forced to pay rates, in what Mr Dodds described as the best way forward.

Previously, vacant homes enjoyed zero rates, but Mr Dodds has insisted a 100% rating would keep the bills down for the majority of honest ratepayers.

The Minister pointed out that the package of measures would help spread the rating burden in a more acceptable way. 


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"A further benefit of the rating of empty homes is that householders who have chosen not to declare that they have taken up occupation or who have not been detected yet, will be faced with a rate bill anyway.

"This will help keep bills down for the overwhelming majority of honest ratepayers.

"While I intend to introduce vacant rating in April 2010, I will retain the flexibility to take account of the overriding economic position closer to the time, and will review this decision nearer the time if necessary," he said. 


The maximum capital value for domestic rating will be reduced to £400,000.

Mr Dodds also announced improved data sharing powers to assist take up of rate rebate and rate relief.

He said: "No one in Northern Ireland will pay more than the average for the highest council tax band in England."

"Ratepayers need not be worried that they will be burdened with picking up the tab for those in higher value properties,

"The Regional Rate has been fixed at no increase until 2011/2012,” he added.

(PR/JM)