Residents fight rates rise plan

Malachy McCourt
BBC reporter

A group of south Belfast residents have vowed to fight proposed rates rises which could see some of them facing bills of up to £6,000.

About 60 residents held a meeting on Wednesday night at the City Church in University Avenue.

Residents discussed the rise in rates bills

Many of those who attended the meeting were pensioners who said they would not be able to afford the proposed increase.

John Copeland said he and his wife have a pension of £150 a week.

"We are being penalised for where we live. I don't know how I will pay what they are asking," he said.

"We live in a two-up two-down house and because it's on the Lisburn Road we will be paying much more than any other part of the city.

"If these plans go through I will have to cut down on heating and food."

Valerie Allen, a resident of Malone Park, said her rates would increase from about £1,500 to £6,000.

"I have no objection to paying rates for the services we get, but where I live and the value of my home is totally irrelevant," she said.

"What is relevant is the ability to pay. People in our area may have equity in their homes but I don't believe anyone plans to sell their homes."

'Property tax'

Many at the meeting expressed anger that landlords would not have to pay rates bills.

SDLP MLA for South Belfast Carmel Hanna described the new rates system as a "property tax".

"This is a totally unfair system which is not based on anyone's ability to pay," she said.

"Our party has arranged a meeting with the Minister, David Hanson, and I will be raising the concerns of the people here tonight."

The residents said they will hold another meeting in the near future to develop a strategy to oppose the planned increases.

The issue is to be discussed on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan show on Thursday.

Anyone who wants to check the value of their home can do so by logging onto the Valuation and Lands Agency's website at www.mycapitalvalueni.gov.uk.