Ms Jackie Maguire:

It is still 100%. Our budget meeting is next Monday and the rate will probably remain at 100%. We have looked at it from the opposite perspective. We have a business support scheme that ratepayers benefit from, provided they pay their rates in full, within which there are certain thresholds. Next year, we will introduce an economic regeneration scheme, provided members approve it at our budget meeting. This will encourage the bringing back into use of commercial buildings that have lain vacant for two or more years. Owners will get an economic regeneration grant based on a sliding scale that will be connected to their rates. It is not a rates rebate or a rate fund, although it is connected to it.