Ulster Unionist MLA, Jo-Anne Dobson, has revealed there has been a five-fold increase in appeals against their rates bill compared to the same period last year.

Figures contained in an Assembly Question tabled by Jo-Anne Dobson to the Finance Minister show that Land & Property Services (LPS) received 1,394 non-domestic appeals between 1 April and 31 May this year compared to 289 in the same period last year.

Upper Bann MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said:

“Many local businesses have been hit hard by sharp hikes in their rates bills following the review and without help will struggle to pay this additional levy.  A trend does appear to be emerging with petrol station forecourts being amongst the hardest hit. 

"For many these increases stretch into thousands of pounds and in some cases in my own constituency bills have risen by as much as 300 per cent in one year. Inevitably this has left many to put on hold and reconsider their future plans.

“These figures show that in increasing numbers businesses across Northern Ireland are formally requesting a review of the Net Annual Value of their property following the non-domestic revaluation.  

"What the Minster must remember is that a business which ceases to trade cannot pay any rates at all.  I want to see our small businesses allowed to grow and flourish, not be held back or forced to close because of crippling rates bills.

“Given the sheer volume of appeals being lodged with LPS I am concerned that the process will become drawn out and cumbersome. I have written to the Minister to request that additional personnel are brought in to ensure this doesn’t happen.

“It would be devastating to the local economy if these sharp increases become fatal blows to small businesses, and in turn lead to lost investment and lost jobs.”