Secretary of State sets the regional rate in NI in absence of a NI Executive
Secretary of State sets the regional rate in NI in absence of a NI Executive.
Non-domestic regional rate frozen at the 2022-23 levels for NI businesses.
Below inflation domestic regional rate rise of 6% for NI households.
In the absence of a NI Executive, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has increased the NI domestic regional rate by 6% and frozen the non-domestic regional rate for the 2023-24 financial year.
Acknowledging the impact that the cost of living is having on NI households, the 6% increase in the domestic regional rate for NI households is both below inflation (10%), and is lower than the average increase (6.67%) of domestic district rate increases by NI councils.
Following extensive consultation with the NI Department of Finance and engagement with business representatives, and recognising the unique pressures which NI businesses are facing, the Secretary of State has provided respite and clarity for businesses struggling with cost pressures by freezing the non-domestic regional rate at the 2022-23 level.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:
In the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive, I have set the regional rate to ensure the crucial delivery of public services and provide certainty for NI taxpayers. I am very aware that this comes amidst cost of living pressures for both NI businesses and households, and I have set the rates to improve the sustainability of the NI public finances whilst protecting those most in need.
Whilst I will not shirk my responsibility to do the right thing for NI’s finances, it remains the case these decisions should be taken by locally elected politicians in a fully functioning NI Executive.
Ends
Notes to Editors
The NI (Executive Formation etc) Act conferred on the Secretary of State a power to set the regional domestic and non-domestic rate in NI for the financial year ending on 31 March 2024 by regulations. These rates must be set for every financial year.
The regional rate has been set through secondary legislation, which has been laid in Parliament today and will come into force on 20 March 2023.