District's dire rates debt

More than 1,200 households in Banbridge had incurred some kind of rates debt as of March last year and according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau there is no sign of a let-up for people in the area.

The latest figures relating to rates arrears were released last month by the Department of Finance and Personnel and paint a grim picture of the district.

The advice bureau on Scarva Street has been inundated with people who have found themselves owing as much as 25,000 for debts including credit cards, mortgages and housing rates.

And problems could be set to get worse by the end of the month as funding for a specialist Money Advisor in the bureau, which currently has eight staff including four volunteers, runs out.

Manager Margaret Ellis said debt is featuring more and more among people who come to the bureau for advice.

“While benefits may still be the top issue people come to get advice on, debt is becoming more and more of a problem,” she said.

“All our advisors can give basic advice but for things like major rates debt or mortgage debt our Money Advisor would usually deal with those.

“We are currently sourcing funding for the position to continue after March.”

Goretti Drummy, currently trained in serious debt advice for the office, could face unemployment herself if funding provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is not renewed by March 31.

Ms Drummy told the Leader the situation is a grave one.

“Currently I give advice and help to people who have very serious debts such and may face bankruptcy or repossession of their homes.

“Rates arrears itself is a ‘priority debt’ which means there are serious consequences if you don’t pay the debt off.

“In the worst case scenario this type of debt could mean repossession of a person’s home.”

Minister for Finance and Personnel Sammy Wilson, said, “The collection of all rates due remains a very high priority for Land & Property Services, and rigorous pursuit of outstanding debt continues.

“This includes agreeing payment arrangements where ratepayers are having difficulties paying the outstanding debt.”