Alliance Party Leader, David Ford, has criticised the Government’s proposals for domestic rate charging in Northern Ireland.
Mr Ford said:
“The review of the rates system was a golden opportunity to move completely from an unfair, antiquated system based on property values, to one based on income.
“The rate system proposals today will require a number of exemptions for people living on low incomes, which will add complications and add to administrative costs.
“Only a system based on a local income tax would ensure that people pay on their ability, and not on the vagaries of the housing market.”