Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any inclusion of an allowance for local authorities to differentiate between the type, size and location of businesses when collecting rates such as reducing rates for small corner shops compared to large supermarket chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1188/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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 Valuation Office is responsible for calculating the rateable valuation of premises and the type, size and location of the premises would be a factor in arriving at the rateable valuation. The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV), which is set by the local authority, is then applied to that rateable valuation. The Valuation Act 2001 is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am acutely aware of the pressures on small and medium sized businesses at the present time. Local authorities have been asked by my Department, by way of a circular letter, to exercise restraint or, where possible, reduce commercial rates and local charges for 2013. Local authorities have responded well to such requests in recent years and I anticipate a similar response this year. I will continue to keep the approach to rates by local authorities under active review, and am determined that every avenue will be pursued to optimise efficiency and contain costs in the local government sector.