Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2016
173. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if a comprehensive public consultation and review of the commercial rates system has been instigated by him; if so, the stage at which it is; the length of time it will take to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38257/16]
View answerLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation pursuant to the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. Commercial rates form an important element of the funding of all local authorities. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. I have asked my Department to develop proposals for the preparation of a consolidated Rates Bill to modernise and consolidate the legislation in this area. No public consultation has been instigated at this stage. However, I hope to bring proposals in this area to Government shortly and I would expect the Heads of the Bill to be referred to the relevant Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny in due course.
