Beggs supports rates deferral scheme for pensioners

Roy Beggs, the UUP MLA for East Antrim has backed proposals that would see a rates deferral scheme for home owning pensioners. The proposal represents a new payment choice for owner-occupier pensioners who may not have the means to pay high rates bills or who are ineligible for rates relief or rates rebates.

Speaking in the debate at Parliament buildings on 2^nd March 2010, Mr Beggs said "Many pensioners are asset rich but income poor. They may have worked all their lives, saved, paid off homes, reared their families and their children may then have moved on. At that point, being reliant on pensions, for example, how do they continue to pay rates that may be disproportionate to their income? I welcome the regulations as they will provide an option that pensioners can consider and which may enable them to continue to live in their family homes and to defer payments."

Mr Beggs went on to add "these proposals will hopefully avoid pensioners being forced to move, saving the considerable cost involved. They will also be able to stay in communities that they have lived in all their lives in which they have made friends who could support them in later life."

The minister for Finance & Personnel stated that the scheme would only be open to those over the age of 60 and who have as least 40% equity on their homes.

Roy Beggs MLA welcomes these criteria as "there should be a minimal risk to the public purse, yet it will bring advantage to some pensioners. Therefore I support the exemption."