Assembly Committee Welcomes Planned Increase In Rates Relief For Carers

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Finance and Personnel has welcomed the Finance Minister’s decision to increase rates relief given to carers.

The increase comes after lobbying from the Committee to the Finance and Personnel Minister and will be implemented under the low income rate relief scheme which will be increased by 20% for all carers.

Deputy Committee Chairperson, David McNarry MLA, said: “The Committee welcomes the detailed consideration that the Minister has given to this issue over recent months following representations by this Committee.

“The Minister had previously agreed to consider raising the extra rates relief for pensioner carers, and the Committee is heartened to learn that he has now taken the decision to extend this to all carers, regardless of their age. While the reduction in the rates bills might be modest, it will nonetheless be welcomed by the 2,500 carers who will benefit from this measure.”