Gardiner demands Rates Rebates for Older Householders on Fixed Incomes
Speaking in the Assembly, Sam Gardiner MLA, the local Ulster Unionist Assemblyman called on a major rebate system to be speedily devised to help older householders on fixed incomes.
“In my Upper Bann constituency, there are many older people living on fixed incomes and pensions but whose houses have risen in value with the current house price boom. This has meant they have big increases in their rates bill. They have no way to pay these new bills without selling their homes. This is unacceptable.”
“The fact that their home is now worth a lot more, makes no material difference to them. They will never see that value unless they sell their homes and that, for many, is unthinkable. They may be asset rich but their income stream may be incapable of absorbing new rates bills and water charges.”
“These homes are not just houses. They are family homes where many of these older people have lived all their lives. It is where many of them have brought up their families. There is something deeply personal about a person’s home – especially as they get older. They are filled with memories and have a real sense of place for the people who live there.”
“That is why a generous rates rebate scheme must be put in place as soon as possible by Peter Robinson the Finance Minister. There must be no foot dragging on this. It is time this Executive got to work.”