Amount in rates owed reduced by 20% this year – O’Dowd

The amount owed in rates has reduced by 20% this year, the Stormont Finance Minister has said.

John O’Dowd said he expects the amount owed to reduce further with legal action under way.

Speaking during questions for his department at the Assembly on Tuesday, Mr O’Dowd said last year saw Land and Property Services collect a record £1.63 billion in rates.

Mr O’Dowd said £145 million is outstanding.

Of this he said £59 million is subject to legal recovery action, £12.8 million is being repaid through active payment plans and the remaining £73.5 million is under review for further legal action.

“My department remains committed to the collection of unpaid rates,” he said.

“Already this year the amount owing from previous years has reduced by 20%, and as legal action for non-payment increase in the coming months this will continue to drive the amount owed down further.

“There are two categories when it comes to rates debt, those who cannot pay, and those who will not pay.

“We have to pursue rigorously those who refuse to pay, and we have to support and work with those who cannot and find a way for them to do so.”