RICS Northern Ireland Public Affairs and Policy Blog

Business Improvement Districts to be introduced in Northern Ireland

noneill — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:47:00 GMT

The Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland MLA, has signalled his intention to introduce a Draft Business Improvements Districts Bill before the summer recess. It is hoped that, subject to passage through the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Bill...(read more)

Northern Ireland Non-Domestic Property Revaluation Announced

noneill — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:58:00 GMT

The Northern Ireland Executive has announced that a rating revaluation of non-domestic properties will take place in 2015. This follows the postponement of the revaluation scheduled to take place in 2010/11. The cancellation of the last revaluation means...(read more)

Empty Premises Rate Relief comes into effect in Northern Ireland

noneill — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:33:00 GMT

On the 1st April the Empty Premises Rates Relief Scheme came into effect in Northern Ireland. The measure has been created to help long term empty retail premises back into business. The Relief Scheme allows for 50% rate relief for up to a year once long...(read more)

Rates concessions for empty shops

smason — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:39:00 GMT

You will be aware of the Executive's proposals to introduce the above measure next year, for one year, providing 50% relief for the first full year of occupation (any non domestic use) of a long term empty shop. The concession will have to be applied...(read more)

Northern Ireland Executive announces outcome of the Commercial Rating Consultation

noneill — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:28:00 GMT

The Northern Ireland Executive today published agreed outcomes following the Commercial Rating consultation and in particular the proposal to introduce an extension to the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme (SBRR) which will be funded through a supplementary...(read more)

Unlimited Liability in Government contracts

smason — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:43:00 GMT

The Construction Group is increasingly concerned about what appears to be a tendency of many government departments and agencies in Northern Ireland towards a blanket requirement for unlimited liability in government contracts. The Office of Government...(read more)

Policy Planning Statement 24 not to be implemented in Northern Ireland

noneill — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:04:00 GMT

The Department for the Environment in Northern Ireland has decided not to implement draft Policy Statement 24 (PPS 24) which deals with economic implications of a planning application. The announcement was made after an extensive public consultation....(read more)

Environment Minister seeking views on an independent environmental protection agency for Northern Ireland

noneill — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:12:00 GMT

The Environment Minister, Alex Attwood MLA, is seeking views from key stakeholders on future environmental protection arrangements for Northern Ireland. The discussion document Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland revisits the issue of an independent...(read more)

Northern Ireland Finance Minister seeking views on Rating of Commercial Properties

noneill — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:46:00 GMT

The Northern Ireland Finance Minister Sammy Wilson MP MLA, has recently launched a consultation seeking views on issues relating to rating of commercial properties. The consultation contains proposals which the Northern Ireland Executive hopes will rebalance...(read more)

Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy consultation

noneill — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:18:00 GMT

The Treasury is seeking views on whether reducing the rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland will deliver a significant boost to the economy. Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy explores options aimed at growing the private sector and reducing...(read more)

Treasury launches consultation on Corporation Tax rates in Northern Ireland

noneill — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:34:00 GMT

The Treasury yesterday launched the consultation Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy . The consultation, which lasts for three months, will explore options for raising employment, improving productivity and promoting growth in the region. Among the...(read more)

Department of the Environment launches consultations

noneill — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:31:00 GMT

The Department of the Environment (DOE) in Northern Ireland has recently launched a number of consultations as detailed below. The Environmental Better Regulation White Paper is aimed at exploring methods to better regulate activities that impact on the...(read more)

Minister announces Changes to Planning Fees in Northern Ireland

noneill — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:14:00 GMT

The Environment Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, has announced changes to planning fees in Northern Ireland. The changes will be implemented through the Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 include relating the fee charged to the...(read more)

Planning Bill passed by Northern Ireland Assembly

noneill — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:04:00 GMT

The Planning Bill, which transfers many planning functions to local councils, was passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. RICS Northern Ireland had previously contributed oral and written evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee who scruitinised...(read more)

Views sought on the European Commission Public Procurement consultation

noneill — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:39:00 GMT

The European Commission is currently consulting on the modernisation of rules, tools and methods of public procurement to ensure the most efficient use of public funds and to support growth and job creation. Public procurement accounts for approximately...(read more)