Evaluation of the Education, Training and Leaving Care rate relief scheme

One of the outcomes of the Executive Review of Domestic Rating in 2007 was to undertake a further evaluation of the Education, Training and Leaving Care rate relief scheme, and possible alternatives, with a view to abolishing it. FSG McClure Watters were commissioned in May 2008 to carry out this evaluation following a competitive tendering process.

It found that the scheme was not fit for purpose and should be revoked with appropriate savings provisions for those currently entitled to the relief. These findings were accepted by the then DFP Minister, Nigel Dodds, and published in January 2009. In light of the findings, proposals were subsequently put to and agreed by the Executive and an announcement on the way forward was made on 3 August 2009 by the current DFP Minister, Sammy Wilson.

The subordinate legislation revoking the scheme, with appropriate savings, was made on 23rd October 2009 entitled the Rate Relief (Education, Training and Leaving Care) (Revocation and Savings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 (S.R. 2009 No. 349).This legislation came into operation on 1st December 2009 . No applications received on or after this date will be considered by the Department as announced by Minister Wilson in September this year.

Work is currently being undertaken by the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department for Employment and Learning on the option of redirecting any savings resulting from the revocation of the scheme to other more targeted and effective means of supporting students most in need. Further information on this will be made available in due course.