Boys saved £80k in rates

The Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall. The Apprentice Boys have saved £80k in rates relief on its community halls since 2006.

The order’s community halls - including the Memorial Hall - qualify for rates relief under Article 41A of the Rates (NI) Order 1977, which was introduced in April 2006

However, by far the biggest beneficiary of the legislation was the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, which has saved £4,538,559.

The Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland saved £1,483,046; the Ancient Order of Hibernians saved £164,998; the Royal Black Institution saved £56,004; the Independent Loyal Orange Institution saved £36,579; and the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes saved £9,491.

The latter organisation made all of its savings between 2006/7 and 2009/10 and none in the last three years.

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson stated: “A further £104,790 has been awarded in rate relief which cannot be assigned to a specific group.”