I met with Finance Minister Nigel Dodds just before Easter, along with the Chairman of the RICS NI and our Executive Director and Policy Officer. I was very impressed with the way the Minister conducted the meeting. He comes across very well one-to-one and offered a listening ear and expressed willingness to be constructive. He smiled too.... I think all our politicians should smile more and be less adversarial.
We had a busy agenda on the NI Investment Strategy, the importance of driving delivery and the need for a steady workload as opposed to peaks of demand.
Amongst the items I raised concerns being expressed to me (which I empathise with) about the impact of empty rates on businesses at this difficult time.
I am delighted to note the Minister has acceded to my request and announced 'an evaluation of the policy on the rating of empty commercial premises. This will look at the effectiveness and impact of the policy over the five years it has been in place, as well as considering its effect during this current economic downturn.'
Well done sir!
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