“Writing off £12-15 million per year in rates seems incredible. Northern Ireland collects between £1.2 and £1.3 billion each year in domestic and non-domestic rates. Whilst in percentage terms, £12m is a fraction of the overall pot, it would go a long way in funding pothole repairs, swimming lessons or a new classroom.
There is also an issue of fairness. It is unfair that law abiding people pay their rates whilst others fail to pay and have their slate wiped clean.
I will be asking further questions about the geographical spread of rates debt and looking closely at rates collection to ensure that Northern Ireland rate payers are being treated fairly."