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Business Rates Conference 2016
Copyright © Kevin Cooper Photoline NUJ: Seamus McKee (BBC Radio Ulster) opened the conference and give context to the debate as chairperson of Business Rates Conference 2016 which took place on Tuesday, 12 January 2016 in Riddel Hall at Queen's University Belfast. Speakers included: Richard Johnston - Associate Director, NI Centre for Economic Policy, UU; David Sterling - Permanent Secretary, Department of Finance & Personnel; Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI; Aodhán Connolly, Director, NI Retail Consortium, Seamus McAleavey â Chief Executive, NICVA, Derek McCallan â Chief Executive, NILGA, Followed by a panel discussion with David Sterling â DFP, Stephen Kelly â Manufacturing NI, Aodhán Connolly â NI Retail Consortium, Seamus McAleavey â NICVA, Derek McCallan â NILGA. After a short break the discussion continued with A system that it is fit for purpose: the practicalities involved: Brian McClure â Head of Rating Policy Division, Department of Finance & Personnel, Funding local services: a new system for securing businesses contributions: Martin McTague â Chairman, Local Government Committee, Federation of Small Businesses, Getting it right: the UK and international perspective:
David Magor OBE - Chief Executive, Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation. Finishing the final panel discussion was with: Brian McClure â Department of Finance & Personnel, Martin McTague â FSB and David Magor â IRRV. Seamus McKee, Chairperson of the conference made some concluding remarks before breaking for lunch. Business Rates Conference 2016, which was part of the Chambré Public Affairs âEye on the Hillâ series of policy events, provided participants with a unique insight into an important programme of reform. The conference offered context and analysis from the Minister, senior officials, sector leaders and noted experts, the conference is perfectly timed to inform responses to the consultation, which closes a fortnight later. On 26 October 2015, Finance Minister Arlene Foster launched a public consultation on a wide-ranging Review of Northern Ireland's Non-Domestic Rating System. The consultation asks questions that touch upon every sector in Northern Ireland, giving respondents the chance to provide imaginative suggestions to improve how revenue is raised locally. Key questions include whether the 100% exemption for charities should be maintained, and how the system could be changed to better suit the demands of local business. Because of the Departmentâs willingness to engage creatively with the business community and other stakeholders, this consultation represents a rare opportunity to influence major change. Business rating is a vital form of taxation, raising some £592m of revenue for regional and local Government in Northern Ireland. However, it is also a significant expense for the businesses that are the lifeblood of the local economy, and can act as a particular disincentive to smaller enterprises who want to invest and expand. At the other end of the spectrum, charities in Northern Ireland benefit significantly from the current rating system, enjoying a 100% rates exemption.
Business Rates Conference 2016
Copyright © Kevin Cooper Photoline NUJ: Seamus McKee (BBC Radio Ulster) opened the conference and give context to the debate as chairperson of Business Rates Conference 2016 which took place on Tuesday, 12 January 2016 in Riddel Hall at Queen's University Belfast. Speakers included: Richard Johnston - Associate Director, NI Centre for Economic Policy, UU; David Sterling - Permanent Secretary, Department of Finance & Personnel; Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI; Aodhán Connolly, Director, NI Retail Consortium, Seamus McAleavey â Chief Executive, NICVA, Derek McCallan â Chief Executive, NILGA, Followed by a panel discussion with David Sterling â DFP, Stephen Kelly â Manufacturing NI, Aodhán Connolly â NI Retail Consortium, Seamus McAleavey â NICVA, Derek McCallan â NILGA. After a short break the discussion continued with A system that it is fit for purpose: the practicalities involved: Brian McClure â Head of Rating Policy Division, Department of Finance & Personnel, Funding local services: a new system for securing businesses contributions: Martin McTague â Chairman, Local Government Committee, Federation of Small Businesses, Getting it right: the UK and international perspective:
David Magor OBE - Chief Executive, Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation. Finishing the final panel discussion was with: Brian McClure â Department of Finance & Personnel, Martin McTague â FSB and David Magor â IRRV. Seamus McKee, Chairperson of the conference made some concluding remarks before breaking for lunch. Business Rates Conference 2016, which was part of the Chambré Public Affairs âEye on the Hillâ series of policy events, provided participants with a unique insight into an important programme of reform. The conference offered context and analysis from the Minister, senior officials, sector leaders and noted experts, the conference is perfectly timed to inform responses to the consultation, which closes a fortnight later. On 26 October 2015, Finance Minister Arlene Foster launched a public consultation on a wide-ranging Review of Northern Ireland's Non-Domestic Rating System. The consultation asks questions that touch upon every sector in Northern Ireland, giving respondents the chance to provide imaginative suggestions to improve how revenue is raised locally. Key questions include whether the 100% exemption for charities should be maintained, and how the system could be changed to better suit the demands of local business. Because of the Departmentâs willingness to engage creatively with the business community and other stakeholders, this consultation represents a rare opportunity to influence major change. Business rating is a vital form of taxation, raising some £592m of revenue for regional and local Government in Northern Ireland. However, it is also a significant expense for the businesses that are the lifeblood of the local economy, and can act as a particular disincentive to smaller enterprises who want to invest and expand. At the other end of the spectrum, charities in Northern Ireland benefit significantly from the current rating system, enjoying a 100% rates exemption.