16/12/2011
These measures, along with a number of other rating changes, are intended to rebalance the rating system during the economic downturn, helping to create the right conditions for recovery. The measures include broadly doubling the amount of rate relief provided to small businesses, with funding provided through a large retail levy. The large retail levy is to be moderated from the planned 20% to 15%, with the shortfall paid out of a modest increase in regional rate revenue receipts, compared to what was budgeted.
Minister Wilson said: “The Executive wants to create the right conditions for a sustained economic recovery, providing assistance to those small businesses that need it most. While the downturn has been difficult for a range of sectors this has particularly been the case for small businesses.”
The Minister explained: “During the consultation I was particularly heartened to hear companies expressing the view that they remain committed to the Northern Ireland market. Having listened to issues raised during consultation, and given a modest increase in regional rates revenue since my original budget announcement, the Executive has agreed that the levy should be reduced from 20% to 15% on average. This will represent a saving of around £20,000 per store per year.”
The Minister continued: “Given concerns expressed during consultation let me make it abundantly clear that the levy and expansion of the small business rate relief scheme will be time limited in legislation to three years, that is, until 31 March 2015.”
The Minister went on to explain some of the other changes that are being introduced for the downturn. He said: “The changes I am asking the Assembly to approve will allow the use of non-commercial window displays in empty shops, without incurring a full rates charge. This is something the Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce asked me to introduce to help the city centre. Having listened to all the views expressed during this consultation I want to go much further than this to help get long term empty retail premises back in business next year. To encourage this, 50% relief will be provided when long term empty retail premises become occupied. Ratepayers can apply for this generous concession if the shop has been empty for 12 months or more, with relief then awarded for 12 months.”
In addition, changes will also be brought forward to clarify the valuation assumptions used at the next non-domestic revaluation planned for 2015.
In conclusion the Minister stated: “I will shortly be bringing forward legislation to give effect to these changes. I will be asking the Assembly to approve the legislation, and the use of accelerated passage, so that the final measures can be in place in time for next year’s rate bills.”
For further advice on your rating liability contact McKibbin Commercial Tel: 02890500100
27/10/2011
Bow Street Mall, Lisburn is celebrating their new Charity Partnership with The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST).
EST, who saw HRH The Princess Royal open its first Northern Ireland premises in Templepatrick in February, is dedicated to providing riding therapy with donkeys to children with special needs and disabilities, and therapy for the elderly.
The children who attend the 6 Centres across the UK have a wide range of disabilities; some may have learning difficulties, others have physically d disabilities or have behavioural difficulties, or sensory impairment.
The aims of the EST are to bring enjoyment and pleasure into their lives and to give them the satisfaction that comes with the achievement of learning riding skills or simply interacting with the placid animals. To help with this responsibility, each indoor arena has an extensive array of equipment to aid development in areas such as fine motor skills, hand and eye co-ordination, body posture, colour, number, shape and symbol recognition, as well as speech and language improvement.
Providing such a life-changing service to so many people does come at a cost, though. With an annual running cost £300,000 per annum and being completely reliant on donations and fund-raising, the relationship with Bow Street Mall has the aim of relieving some of that strain. The leading Shopping Centre will not only have various milestones in place -the first one being to raise £5000 for a much-needed Van to transport the Donkeys out to various destinations- but also they want to help with the day-to-day costs of maintaining the upkeep of the Centre.
Bow Street Mall Centre Manager, Karen Marshall, tells of her excitement on the new partnership, “From the first time we visited the EST Centre, we knew that we had found our Charity partner. We are so excited to be working with EST. The services they provide are invaluable, and absolutely free for those who need it. We want to help raise as much as possible to help EST continue to deliver the best service they can to those who need it most in Northern Ireland.
A perfect fit for Bow Street Mall, who themselves sit in the heart of the community, EST work closely with school teachers, physiotherapists, speech and language departments, other professionals and parents so the range of activities and events that Bow Street Mall have in mind are endless!
27/10/2011
McKibbin Commercial have been appointed by Northern Ireland Water to provide estate professional services relating to the acquisition, valuation, marketing and disposal of their land.
The contract will be operative from 2011 to 2014.
Brian Wilkinson of the company will be the lead surveyor in the delivery of this service.
