Emergency Flooding

RATE RELIEF FOR PROPERTIES AFFECTED BY FLOODING

LINES TO TAKE:

Land & Property Services (LPS) can consider the circumstances of properties impacted by flooding on a case by case basis. For Non-Domestic properties relief may be available through the Hardship Relief scheme, for Domestic properties, an exclusion may be available through rating of empty homes legislation.

What is Hardship Rate Relief?

Hardship Rate Relief for non-domestic rates is aimed at providing rate relief to assist a business in its recovery from a temporary crisis resulting from an exceptional circumstance. Information and how to apply for the Hardship Rate Relief Scheme is available on www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/hardship-rate-relief

DOMESTIC PROPERTIES

For homeowners affected by flooding, assistance may be available through a Rating of Empty Homes exclusion. You can apply for an exclusion from rates if:

You qualified for compensation from the local Council because your home flooded after heavy rain or a tidal surge.
Your property was unoccupied continuously for at least four weeks.
Your property was your main home before the flooding.

You could get this exclusion from rates for up to six months.

Further information on the Rating of Empty Homes can be located at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rating-empty-homes

Please note the exclusion from rates under the Rating of Empty Homes can only be applicable where the owner of the property has qualified for compensation from their District Council after severe flooding by virtue of a scheme made under Article 26 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

NON-DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

In some circumstances where the flooding has affected the structure of the property or its locality, that is likely to affect the property on more than a temporary basis, the

ratepayer should consider making an application to have the valuation of the property reassessed.

Information and an online Application Form to have a property’s valuation revised is available on www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/business-rates-valuing-alterations-existing-properties
When Land & Property Services (LPS) receives an application a LPS Valuer will visit and assess the property to determine if the damage merits an amendment to the Net Annual Value and revision of the Valuation List entry.

Further information about what to do if flood happens can be located at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/what-do-if-flood-happens