Paul Frew condemns Sinn Féin plan to cut early payment discount for NI ratepayers

Inset: DUP MLA for North Antrim Paul Frew

DUP MLA Paul Frew has accused the Sinn Féin Finance Minister of “punishing” households who pay their rates bills on time, criticising proposals to slash the early payment discount currently available to thousands of residents across Northern Ireland.

The North Antrim Assembly Member voiced strong opposition after it emerged the Minister had brought a proposal to the Executive aimed at halving the early payment discount from 4% to 2%.

Mr Frew warned that the change would negatively impact nearly 166,000 households across Northern Ireland, including over 16,000 in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area and more than 13,500 in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area.

“I have been scrutinising the work of the SF Finance Minister for some time now and he is proposing punishing those households who pay their rates bills in a timely fashion and has brought a paper to the Executive to that effect,” said Mr Frew.

He went on to explain the potential consequences of the proposed policy shift.

“Many households in Northern Ireland receive what’s called ‘Early Payment Discount’ when they pay their rates bill in full within a set amount of time. Not everyone is able to do so but those that strive to pay this bill quickly can enjoy 4% discount.

“What SF are proposing to do is reduce that discount to 2%. I think this is totally unfair and targeting a set of people who have paid their rates bill quickly.”

Mr Frew argued the proposed change would “disincentivise” responsible bill-payers while generating minimal financial gain for the Executive.

“Reducing the discount will save very little yet disincentivise people who are early payers. The rates office has enough problems gathering in rates — why would they be made do this to the very people who they do not need to prompt or engage with, to pay?”

He further stressed that those who prioritise early payment are often people who are “just about managing” and now risk being penalised for their efforts.

“People who could struggle just the same with other bills and burdens, people who are just about managing yet prioritise their rates bill are now going to lose out.

“This policy is wrong headed and should be scrapped at this point in time when so many people are of a mind that they pay their hard-earned income to the government but do not see that money being spent in appropriate and effective efficient ways.”

The proposal remains under consideration by the Executive.