Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 May 2007.

Rates: Northern Ireland

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the information contained in the leaflet sent to ratepayers in Northern Ireland about the domestic rates transition relief was accurate.

Answer: The leaflet sent to ratepayers had an inaccuracy in the section referring to transitional relief. The words ““would have”” were omitted in error from the following sentence: "““if your rate bill has increased by more than 33 per cent above the amount you would have paid in rates for this property under the old NAV system, transitional relief will be provided automatically over a three year period"." The agency has apologised to ratepayers for the error but it has also confirmed that the rate bill calculation is correct where transitional relief applies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3315; 691 c222WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Domestic rates Leaflets Northern Ireland Transitional arrangements
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk