Birnie calls for Universal Rates Relief for all Pensioner Households
UUP Finance Spokesperson Esmond Birnie has expressed concern over the impact on pensioners, after it was revealed that Direct Rule rates proposals will see an average increase of 20% in bills faced by Belfast ratepayers.
In a statement, the UUP South Belfast candidate said: “Families across Northern Ireland have a right to expect government to spend our hard-earned money properly and wisely. Through rates the people of Northern Ireland contribute to our public services and infrastructure for the benefit of our entire community. But the rates burden must be fair.
“Under the Direct Rule rates plan, Belfast pensioners now face increases of up to 20% in their rates bills. Many will simply be unable to pay such an increase. Having worked hard all their lives, pensioners deserve to spend their retirement years in dignity and security.
“The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to universal non-means tested rates relief for all pensioner households giving dignity and security to those how have worked hard and saved throughout their lives. Only by restoring devolved government can we counter the government’s ill-thought out rates increases. The people of Northern Ireland need a devolved government of their own.”