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Commercial Rates Valuation Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (66)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

66. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated impact the 2012 Valuation Bill will have on local authority revenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39012/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Local 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 under the Valuation Act 2001. The Commissioner of Valuation is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county by county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to provide for more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and to assist in providing a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates.

I and my Government colleagues have been concerned for some time with the slow pace of the revaluation programme. In this regard, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill to amend the Valuation Act 2001. In addition to accelerating the revaluation of all rateable property in the country, the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill proposes to amend existing valuation legislation in a number of areas by facilitating the adoption of new approaches to valuation, including self-assessment and external service delivery options, through the outsourcing of elements of the valuation function, where appropriate. The amendments are formulated with the intention of making the valuation code more transparent, to correct deficiencies in the Valuation Act 2001 and to streamline aspects of the Act, especially with regard to the appeal procedures.

While the enactment of some sections of the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill will increase costs for some State bodies, the expansion of the rates base should allow for reductions in the overall rates burden on businesses while maintaining the rates income of local authorities.

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