Cochrane urges Finance Minister to look at other alternatives to scrapping of rates relief scheme

Alliance Finance spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has expressed her concern at the Finance Minister’s proposal to scrap a rates relief scheme for 40,000 low income households. The Minister’s proposed changes are being made to meet efficiency saving targets outlined by the Westminster Coalition Government.

Judith Cochrane MLA said: “The Minister must rule out all other alternatives to meet this efficiency saving target. He has described this proposal as being one of the’least worst option’, however yet again low income households will be the ones to feel the effects.

“While I understand the Minister must make these efficiency savings, he should be looking at other options. Those on low incomes have already been hit hardest by the Coalition Government’s cuts, we should not be looking to cause them further financial strain without looking for other possible alternatives.”

ENDS