Businesses have been urged to check the Land and Property Services, New valuation list for non-domestic rates before the new rate is finalized next month in the light of a new council merger. Non-domestic rates are being revalued against the annual rental value of a of a property at April 2013 and according to South Down MLA John McCallister, this coupled with the merger of the new councils could result in a double-whammy for some businesses. “There is a danger that some businesses will be asked to pay significantly more because their valuation has gone up and the creation of one super council will see the conversion of different levels of rates,” said Mr McCallister. “With regards to revaluation there is an opportunity for all local businesses to check the draft Valuation List and query their proposed rates bill if they think it is unreasonable or a mistake has been made. As the proposals stand the total non-domestic valuations for the Newry and Mourne District have gone up by more than £10m and in Down by over £5m – these individual valuations can be queried. With regards to the creation of one super council support has been made available. I welcome the creation of a £30m support scheme to assist domestic and non-domestic ratepayers who would have otherwise faced a sudden and excessive increase in their rates bill because of the differences that currently exist between the rates set in Newry and Mourne and Down District Council.” Mr McCallister said he is also pleased that the Executive has agreed to extend the Small Businesses Rate Relief for another year. He added: “The Small Businesses Rate Relief helps local businesses survive and invest in the future. I am convinced it should be extended beyond the additional year and I will continually put this point to the Minister for Finance.”
Newry Democrat
17th February 2015
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