£2million owed in ratepayers arrears

A total of 3,464 domestic occupancies in the city were registered as having pre-March 2009 ratepayer debt. It was the highest amount outside Belfast. The combined debt totalled 1,963,115.

Minister of Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson said the figures were the latest available with the total amount of domestic ratepayer debt, and its breakdown between District Council areas uncollected on February 10, 2010.

He commented: “It is difficult to quantify in-year ratepayer debt given that, as part of normal business, bills are issued on a daily basis.

“The debt for the 2009-2010 year will not be known with certainty until the Statement of Rate Levy & Collection is completed in May 2010 and therefore the figures in the table exclude in-year debt.”

In Limavady 743 domestic occupancies owed 416,972 and in Strabane 1,021 owed 559,081 on March 31 last.

Mr Wilson stated: “The collection of all rates due remains a very high priority for Land & Property Services (LPS), and rigorous pursuit of outstanding debt continues. This includes agreeing payment arrangements where ratepayers are having difficulties paying the outstanding debt.”

The figures excluded mixed properties that have both a domestic and non-domestic valuation. Mr Wilson outlined the information i response to a query tabled at the Stormont Assembly.