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23 Dec 08 Dodds introduces Green Rebates

DODDS INTRODUCES GREEN RATE REBATES
Finance Minister Nigel Dodds announced today that he will introduce ‘green’ rate rebates for homeowners who bring their homes up to modern standards of insulation.
This means that existing householders can qualify for a rebate by making energy efficiency improvements to their homes, such as cavity wall and loft insulation.  
The scheme will also provide an exemption from rates for up to five years for the first residents of homes that meet the proposed new zero-carbon standards and an exemption from rates for up to two years for the first residents low carbon homes where low carbon is defined as achieving level 4 or greater, but less than level six, of the code for sustainable homes published by the Department of Communities and Local Government in GB.  
Announcing his decision, Mr Dodds praised the excellent feedback he had received during the recent consultation process.  He said: “Again we see that local people, by expressing their views and voicing their concerns, can help shape and influence decisions that their local political representatives make – this is as it should be.   This rebate scheme will be of particular interest to Northern Ireland’s householders at a time of high energy costs.
It should help to lower domestic consumption and reduce carbon emissions.  
“If these measures prove successful, consideration could be given, in due course, to extending the scope of the scheme to further encourage energy conservation and help build a sustainable future for us all.”  
The measures are to be introduced in early 2010, given the time needed to pass the necessary legislation through the Assembly and put the necessary administrative systems in place.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
  • Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
  • Further details on consultation on green rebates can be found at http://www.ratingreviewni.gov.uk/
  • A consultation report will be published in December providing an overview of the consultation responses and setting out the Minister’s decisions on a range of rating reforms, including
  1. a reduction in the maximum capital value to £400,000;
  2. the rating of empty homes at 100% liability;
  3. a rates deferment scheme for home owning pensioners;
  4. data sharing;
  5. green rebates; and
  6. derelict land tax
  • This will also be published on the Rating Reform website.
  • With the exception of the reduced cap (April 2009) legislation to progress these measures will be taken forward in 2009 and will come into operation in April 2010.