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Hardship Relief

The Northern Ireland Executive started a comprehensive review of Rating Policy in 2000 to reform the existing rating system. A key issue from the review was the introduction of a Hardship Relief Scheme for businesses. Legislation was subsequently passed in March 2004, (The Rates (Amendment) (NI) Order 2004), which introduced a power for the Department to introduce a Hardship Relief Scheme.

Hardship Relief for non domestic properties came into operation on 31 December 2005. It is intended to assist a business to recover from a temporary crisis, financial or otherwise, as a result of exceptional circumstances, and therefore some form of recovery plan will generally be required before rates can be remitted.

An information leaflet (opens in new window PDF 231 KB) on the Hardship Relief Scheme is available.

A Hardship Relief Application Pack (opens in new window PDF 326 KB) including guidance notes and application form is available.

Policy guidance on Hardship Relief for the Non-Domestic Sector (opens in new window PDF 194 KB) is also available.

For more information please contact:-

Land & Property Services
Hardship Relief Team,
Londonderry House,
21-27 Chichester Street,
TOWN PARKS, Belfast.
BT1 4JB

  • e-mail the Hardship Relief Team hardshiprelief.rating@lpsni.gov.uk (opens in new window)
  • phone the Hardship Relief Team ring the helpline on 101, Minicom 18001101 (the alternative number for those calling from outside Northern Ireland or who are unable to access the 101 service is 02891 513101)
  • fax the Hardship Relief Team - 028 90252639

For more informaation on rating policy, please click on the link below: