Statutory Instrument 2006 No. 2954 (N.I.18 )

The Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

(The document as of February, 2008)

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STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS

2006 No. 2954 (N.I.18 )

NORTHERN IRELAND

The Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

	Made	14th November 2006
	Coming into operation in accordance with Article 1

ARRANGEMENT OF ORDER

PART I
INTRODUCTORY

1.	Title and commencement

2.	Interpretation

PART II
GENERALRegional rate and district rate

3.	Regional rate and district rate

4.	Police purposes part of the regional rate

Rateable values

5.	Rateable values

6.	Liability to be rated according to rateable values

7.	Liability to be rated in respect of hereditaments owned by the Housing Executive, etc.

8.	Basis of valuation

Payment by instalments

9.	Right to pay rates by instalments

Deferred payment of rates

10.	Agreements for deferred payment of rates on dwellings

PART III
VALUATION LISTS

11.	General provisions as to valuation lists

12.	New valuation lists

13.	Access to valuation lists

PART IV
RELIEFS AND EXEMPTIONS ETC.Rate relief

14.	Rate relief scheme

Persons under 18 and persons in education and training or leaving care

15.	Persons under 18 and persons in education and training or leaving care

Persons with a disability

16.	"Disability"

17.	Rate rebates for certain hereditaments with special facilities for persons with a disability

Transitional relief

18.	Transitional rate relief

Charitable exemptions

19.	Extension of exemption relating to sale of goods donated to a charity

20.	Extension of charitable exemption for clergy residences

Unoccupied hereditaments

21.	Power to prescribe exemption where hereditament has both a capital value and a net annual value

22.	Power to remove exemption for unoccupied dwelling-houses, etc.

23.	Power to prescribe reduction in amount payable

Former agricultural land, etc.

24.	Reduction of rates on former agricultural land, etc.

Other exemptions

25.	Exemption for automatic telling machines in rural areas

26.	Power to remove exemption for private dwellings from completion notices

27.	Power to extend exemption from completion notices

Reduction of regional rate on dwellings

28.	Abolition of reduction of regional rate on dwellings

PART V
APPLICATIONS AND APPEALSValuation Tribunal

29.	The Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal

Applications under Article 49 of the principal Order

30.	Frivolous or vexatious applications

31.	Transfer of application from the district valuer to the Commissioner

Appeals to the Commissioner under Article 51 of the principal Order

32.	Power to transfer appeal to the Lands Tribunal not to apply in prescribed cases

Appeals from the Commissioner and the Valuation Tribunal

33.	Appeals from the Commissioner and the Valuation Tribunal

PART VI
MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTARYPayment of interest

34.	Payment of interest

Rating of owners instead of occupiers

35.	Rating of owners instead of occupiers in certain cases

Powers to require information

36.	Power to require information about occupiers of hereditaments in capital value list, etc.

37.	Power to require information for valuation list purposes

Powers of entry

38.	Powers of entry

Amendments

39.	Amendments

Transitional and consequential provisions, etc.

40.	Power to make transitional and consequential provisions, etc.

Repeals

41.

Repeals

SCHEDULES:

Schedule 1

Schedule to be inserted in principal Order as Schedule 9B

Schedule 2

Amendments

Schedule 3

Repeals

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 14th day of November 2006
Present,
The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council
Whereas a draft of this Order in Council has been approved by resolution of each House of Parliament:

    Now, therefore, Her Majesty, in exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 1(1) of the Schedule to the Northern Ireland Act 2000 (c. 1) and of all other powers enabling Her in that behalf, is pleased, by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered, as follows:–



PART I
INTRODUCTORY
Title and commencement
    1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

    (2) This Article and Article 2 shall come into operation on the expiration of 7 days from the day on which this Order is made.

    (3) The remaining provisions of this Order shall come into operation on such day or days as the Department may by order appoint.

    (4) The Department shall not make an order under paragraph (3) in respect of Article 4 unless a matter falling within paragraph 11 of Schedule 3 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c. 47) has become a transferred matter within the meaning of that Act.

Interpretation
    2.—(1) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33) applies to this Order as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

    (2) In this Order—

"the Department" means the Department of Finance and Personnel;

"the principal Order" means the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977 (NI 28);

"statutory provision" has the meaning assigned to it by section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33).

PART II
GENERAL
Regional rate and district rate
Regional rate and district rate
    3.In Article 6 of the principal Order (regional rate and district rate), for paragraph (3) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (3) Subject to the provisions of this Order, a rate—


(a) shall be made and levied at an amount in the pound—


(i) in the case of a regional rate, on the rateable values of every hereditament;

(ii) in the case of a district rate, on the rateable values of every hereditament in the district; and



(b) shall, subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), be made and levied in accordance with the relevant valuation lists.



    (4) In making the rate, the Department or the district council may disregard any alterations made in a valuation list after such date as the Department or the district council considers convenient for the purpose of fixing the amount in the pound of the rate.

    (5) Where the rate is for a year beginning with the date on which a new valuation list is to come into force and is made before that date, the rate shall be made by reference to the new list (so far as it replaces an existing list).

    (6) Different regional and district rates may be made and levied on the rateable net annual values of hereditaments and the rateable capital values of hereditaments in accordance with prescribed rules.".

Police purposes part of the regional rate
    4.In Article 7 of the principal Order (making of rates), after paragraph (5) there shall be added the following paragraphs—

    " (6) Where an order under paragraph (1) specifies an amount in the pound at which a regional rate is to be levied on the rateable capital value of hereditaments, the order shall specify the police purposes part.

    (7) In paragraph (6) "the police purposes part" means an estimate of how much (if any) of that amount will be applied towards expenditure for any police purposes within the meaning of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.".

Rateable values
Rateable values
    5.—(1) For Article 17 of the principal Order (ascertainment of rateable value) and the immediately preceding cross-heading there shall be substituted the following—

" Rateable values
Rateable values
    17.—(1) For the purposes of this Order the rateable values of a hereditament are—


(a) its rateable net annual value (if any); and

(b) its rateable capital value (if any).



    (2) For the purposes of this Order the rateable values of a hereditament shall be ascertained in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7.".

    (2) In Schedule 7 to the principal Order (rateable value of hereditaments), for paragraph 1 there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " 1.Except as provided to the contrary in this Schedule—


(a) the rateable net annual value of any hereditament shall be its net annual value (if any); and

(b) the rateable capital value of any hereditament shall be its capital value (if any).".

Liability to be rated according to rateable values
    6.For Article 18 of the principal Order (liability to be rated in respect of hereditaments) there shall be substituted the following Article—

" Liability to be rated in respect of hereditaments
    18.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Order, every occupier of a hereditament which is included in the valuation lists shall be chargeable to rates in respect of the hereditament according to its rateable values.

    (2) In respect of a specified hereditament which has a rateable capital value regulations may—


(a) specify, or provide for there to be determined under the regulations—


(i) its maximum capital value;

(ii) its minimum capital value;



(b) provide that a person shall be liable in respect of its—



(i) maximum capital value instead of its rateable capital value, if its rateable capital value exceeds its maximum capital value;

(ii) minimum capital value instead of its rateable capital value, if its rateable capital value is less than its minimum capital value;



(c) provide that references in specified provisions to its capital value or to its rateable capital value are to be construed as references to its maximum capital value or its minimum capital value as the case may be.



    (3) In paragraph (2)—



"specified hereditament" means a hereditament which falls within a class specified in regulations under that paragraph;
"specified provisions" means provisions of, or made under, this Order specified in regulations under that paragraph.".

Liability to be rated in respect of hereditaments owned by the Housing Executive, etc.
    7.After Article 23 of the principal Order (liability of occupier for rates unpaid by owner) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Liability to be rated in respect of hereditaments owned by the Housing Executive, etc.
    23A.—(1) Regulations may provide that a person shall be chargeable to rates in respect of a hereditament in the social sector as if its rateable capital value were such figure as may be determined by the Department (its "social sector value").

    (2) The Department shall determine the social sector value so as to ensure that the amount of rates chargeable is such proportion of any rent payable to the owner as the Department considers appropriate.

    (3) In this Article—


"hereditament in the social sector" means a hereditament which—
(a) is wholly owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or such registered housing associations or other bodies as may be prescribed; and

(b) is not a hereditament of a prescribed description;


"registered", in relation to a housing association, means registered in the register maintained under Part II of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (NI 15).

    (4) Regulations may provide—



(a) for such references in this Order to capital value or to rateable capital value as may be prescribed to be construed as references to social sector value in relation to a hereditament in the social sector; and

(b) for Articles 10 and 15(1)(b) to have effect subject to the regulations.".

Basis of valuation
    8.—(1) In Article 39 of the principal Order (basis of valuation), for paragraph (1) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (1) For the purposes of this Order every hereditament shall, except as provided by paragraphs (1A) to (1C), be valued upon an estimate of its net annual value.

    (1A) For the purposes of this Order the following hereditaments shall be valued upon an estimate of their capital value—


(a) any dwelling-house;

(b) any private garage;

(c) any private storage premises.



    (1B) For the purposes of this Order, every hereditament which, though not a dwelling-house, is used partly for the purposes of a private dwelling shall be valued upon an estimate both of its net annual value and of its capital value.

    (1C) For the purposes of paragraphs (1A) and (1B), any hereditament—



(a) which is not in use; and

(b) which the Commissioner or the district valuer considers will, when next in use, fall within any sub-paragraph of paragraph (1A) or within paragraph (1B),



shall be deemed to be in use and to fall within that sub-paragraph of paragraph (1A) or, as the case may be, within paragraph (1B).".

    (2) In Part I of Schedule 12 to the principal Order (basis of valuation), after paragraph 6 there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

" Capital value – general rule
    7.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, for the purposes of this Order the capital value of a hereditament shall be the amount which, on the assumptions mentioned in paragraphs 9 to 15, the hereditament might reasonably have been expected to realise if it had been sold on the open market by a willing seller on the relevant capital valuation date.

    (2) In estimating the capital value of a hereditament for the purposes of any revision of a valuation list, regard shall be had to the capital values in that valuation list of comparable hereditaments in the same state and circumstances as the hereditament whose capital value is being revised.

    (3) The assumptions mentioned in paragraphs 9 to 15 shall apply for the purposes of determining whether one hereditament is a comparable hereditament in the same state and circumstances as another with the omission of sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) of paragraph 12.

    (4) In sub-paragraph (1) "relevant capital valuation date" means 1st January 2005 or such date as the Department may substitute by order made subject to negative resolution for the purposes of a new capital value list.

Capital value – the assumptions
    8.In this paragraph and paragraphs 9 to 15—


"development" has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the Planning Order;
"flat", in relation to a building, means a dwelling which is a separate set of premises, whether or not on the same floor, divided horizontally from some other part of the building;
"incumbrance" means any incumbrance, whether capable of being removed by the seller or not, except service charges;
"permitted development" means development for which planning permission is not required or for which no application for planning permission is required;
"Planning Order" means the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 11);
"planning permission" has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the Planning Order;
"rentcharge" has the meaning given by section 27(1) of the Ground Rents Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (c. 5).

    9.The sale is with vacant possession.

    10.The estate sold is the fee simple absolute or, in the case of a flat, a lease for 99 years at a nominal rent.

    11.The hereditament is sold free from any rentcharge or other incumbrance.

    12.—(1) The hereditament is in an average state of internal repair and fit out, having regard to the age and character of the hereditament and its locality.

    (2) The hereditament is otherwise in the state and circumstances in which it might reasonably be expected to be on the relevant date.

    (3) In sub-paragraph (2) "relevant date" means 1st April 2007 or such date as the Department may substitute by order made subject to negative resolution for the purposes of a new capital value list.

    13.The hereditament has no development value other than value attributable to permitted development.

    14.—(1) A hereditament falling (or deemed to fall) within any sub-paragraph of Article 39(1A) will always fall within that sub-paragraph.

    (2) A hereditament falling (or deemed to fall) within paragraph (1B) of Article 39 will always fall within that paragraph.

    15.—(1) There has been no relevant contravention of—



(a) any statutory provision; or

(b) any requirement or obligation, whether arising under a statutory provision, an agreement or otherwise.



    (2) In sub-paragraph (1) "relevant contravention" means a contravention which would affect the capital value of the hereditament.



Hereditaments used partly for the purposes of a private dwelling
    16.—(1) This paragraph applies where a hereditament is required to be valued upon an estimate both of its net annual value and of its capital value.

    (2) Where this paragraph applies—


(a) the net annual value of the hereditament shall be that portion of the rent mentioned in paragraph 1 which can reasonably be regarded as attributable to the use of the hereditament other than for the purposes of a private dwelling;

(b) the capital value of the hereditament shall be that portion of the amount mentioned in paragraph 7 which can reasonably be regarded as attributable to the use of the hereditament for the purposes of a private dwelling.".


Payment by instalments

Right to pay rates by instalments
    9.The following provisions of Article 29 of the principal Order (right to pay rates on dwellings by instalments) shall cease to have effect—

(a) in paragraph (1) the words "Subject to paragraph (1A)";

(b) paragraph (1A) (right to pay rates by instalments not available in respect of certain hereditaments);

(c) in the heading to Article 29, the words "on dwellings".

Deferred payment of rates

Agreements for deferred payment of rates on dwellings
    10.—(1) After Article 29 of the principal Order (right to pay rates on dwellings by instalments) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Agreements for deferred payment of rates on dwellings
    29A.—(1) Regulations may provide that the Department may enter into an agreement with the occupier of a hereditament for the payment of rates in respect of the capital value of the hereditament to be deferred, if—


(a) he is the owner of the hereditament;

(b) he has attained pensionable age or he is the surviving spouse or surviving civil partner of a person who has made an agreement in respect of the same hereditament;

(c) the hereditament either is a dwelling-house or, though not a dwelling-house, is used partly for the purposes of a private dwelling; and

(d) prescribed conditions are satisfied.



    (2) Regulations may contain such provision as the Department considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of this Article, including provision—



(a) as to the terms of the agreement (including terms as to repayment, the payment of interest and other charges and as to the termination of the agreement and extending the period of the agreement);

(b) for the amount outstanding under the agreement to be deemed to be a statutory charge (within the meaning of the Land Registration Act (Northern Ireland) 1970);

(c) for an agreement to transfer the amount outstanding under an agreement made in respect of the same hereditament by the deceased spouse or civil partner of the occupier;

(d) for the meaning of "owner" and "pensionable age" in paragraph (1).".

    (2) In Schedule 11 to the Land Registration Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 (c. 18) (matters which require to be registered in the Statutory Charges Register), after paragraph 47 there shall be added the following paragraph—

    " 48.Any agreement under regulations under Article 29A of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977.".

PART III
VALUATION LISTS
General provisions as to valuation lists
    11.—(1) In Article 40 of the principal Order (general provisions as to valuation lists), for paragraphs (1) and (2) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (1) The Commissioner shall maintain the following lists prepared, and from time to time altered, by him in accordance with this Part—


(a) a list of hereditaments required to be valued upon an estimate of their net annual value (in this Order referred to as a NAV list);

(b) a list of hereditaments required to be valued upon an estimate of their capital value (in this Order referred to as a capital value list).



    (2) There shall be entered in a NAV list in respect of each hereditament which is required to be valued as mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)—



(a) its net annual value; and

(b) such other particulars as the Department may determine.



    (2A) There shall be entered in a capital value list in respect of each hereditament which is required to be valued as mentioned in paragraph (1)(b)—



(a) its capital value; and

(b) such other particulars as the Department may determine.



    (2B) Paragraphs (2) and (2A) are without prejudice to the provisions of this Part and subject to any other statutory provision.".

    (2) Article 40 of the principal Order shall be further amended as follows—

(a) in paragraph (4), after the words "net annual value" there shall be inserted the words "or the capital value";

(b) in paragraph (5), for the words "valuation list" in both places where they occur there shall be substituted the words "NAV list or capital value list";

(c) in paragraph (7)—


(i) for the word "list" in each place where it occurs there shall be substituted the word "lists";

(ii) after "6(3)(b)," there shall be inserted "(4) or (5),";

(iii) for the word "values" in the first place where it occurs there shall be substituted the words "net annual values or capital values";



(d) in paragraph (8)—



(i) for "6(3)(b)(i)" there shall be substituted "6(4)";

(ii) for the word "list" in the first place where it occurs there shall be substituted the word "lists";

(iii) for the words "that list" in both places where they occur there shall be substituted the words "those lists".

    (3) In Article 2(2) of the principal Order (interpretation)—

(a) after the definition of "building" there shall be inserted the following definitions—

" "capital value" shall be construed in accordance with Article 39;
"capital value list" has the meaning given by Article 40(1)(b);";

(b) after the definition of "modify" there shall be inserted the following definition—

" "NAV list" has the meaning given by Article 40(1)(a);";

(c) in the definition of "new valuation list", for the words from "a valuation list" to the end there shall be substituted the words "a new valuation list published under Article 45(1)";

(d) in the definition of "valuation list", for the words from "has the meaning" to the end there shall be substituted the words "means a capital value list or a NAV list";

(e) in the definition of "the valuation list", for "list" in the second place where it occurs there shall be substituted the word "lists".

    (4) In Article 2(4) of the principal Order, for the word "the" in the first, third and fifth places where it occurs there shall be substituted the word "a".

    (5) Subject to paragraph (6), the valuation list in force immediately before the commencement of paragraph (1) shall continue in force as a NAV list under Article 40(1)(a) of the principal Order (until it is superseded as mentioned in Article 40(5) of that Order) so far as it relates to hereditaments required to be valued upon an estimate of their net annual value.

    (6) Where, immediately before the commencement of paragraph (1), an apportionment under Article 44(2) of the principal Order is shown in that list in respect of a hereditament, the value shown as apportioned to the use of the hereditament for purposes other than the purposes of a private dwelling shall be deemed to be the net annual value of the hereditament shown in that list as continued in force under paragraph (5) (subject to any alteration of that list).

New valuation lists
    12.—(1) Article 45 of the principal Order (new valuation lists) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) For paragraph (1) (preparation and issue of new valuation lists) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (1) The Department may require the Commissioner to prepare and publish a new valuation list containing a general revaluation of such hereditaments as the Department may determine.".

    (3) In paragraph (2) (commencement of new valuation lists), for the word "issued" there shall be substituted the word "published".

    (4) For paragraph (3) (regulations with respect to new valuation lists) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (3) The manner, form and date of publication of a new valuation list shall be determined by the Department.

    (3A) When the Commissioner publishes a new valuation list, he shall—


(a) send a certified copy of the list—


(i) to the Department; and

(ii) to each district council; and



(b) make the list available for inspection by the public in electronic form.".

    (5) In paragraph (4) (references to the valuation list), for the word "the" there shall be substituted the word "a".

    (6) For paragraph (5) (alteration of new valuation list before it comes into force) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (5) The Commissioner may alter, and the district valuer may cause to be altered, a new valuation list in relation to any hereditament after the list has been published but before it comes into force and the Commissioner or, as the case may be, the district valuer shall serve a certificate showing any such alteration on—


(a) the Department;

(b) the occupier of the hereditament; and

(c) the district council or any water undertaker or sewerage undertaker, if the council or undertaker so requests.".

    (7) In paragraph (10) (power to make changes before issue of new valuation list), for the words "issue of the" there shall be substituted the words "publication of a".

Access to valuation lists
    13.For Article 46 of the principal Order (deposit and inspection of copies of valuation list) there shall be substituted the following Article—

" Access to valuation lists
    46.—(1) The Commissioner shall take such steps as he considers appropriate to notify the public of the publication of a new valuation list.

    (2) The Department and each district council shall arrange for facilities to be available at any reasonable time for the public to have access to the valuation lists in electronic form.

    (3) After the publication of a new valuation list, the Department and each district council shall take such steps as they consider appropriate to notify the public of arrangements made by them under paragraph (2).

    (4) Any person may require the Department or a district council to provide him with a copy of any part of a valuation list, in hard copy or in electronic form, on payment of such fee (if any) as the Department or the district council may determine.

    (5) The fee for any such copy must not exceed the administrative cost of providing it.".

PART IV
RELIEFS AND EXEMPTIONS ETC.
Rate relief
Rate relief scheme
    14.After Article 30 of the principal Order (discount on rates on dwellings) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Rate relief in respect of dwellings
    30A.—(1) Regulations may make a scheme (the "rate relief scheme") providing that, in cases specified in the scheme, the amount which, apart from this Article, would be payable on account of a rate in respect of a dwelling-house shall for each year be reduced in accordance with the scheme.

    (2) Regulations may make such provision as the Department considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of this Article.

    (3) Regulations may include—


(a) provision for purposes corresponding to those of any statutory provision which has any application in relation to housing benefit;

(b) provision applying any such statutory provision with modifications;

(c) provision creating offences and penalties.



    (4) Nothing in paragraph (3) shall affect the generality of paragraph (2).

    (5) In this Article—



"housing benefit" means housing benefit provided by virtue of a scheme under section 122 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 7);
"rate in respect of a dwelling-house" includes a rate in respect of the rateable capital value of a hereditament which is used partly for the purposes of a private dwelling;
"reduced" includes reduce to nothing.".

Persons under 18 and persons in education and training or leaving care
Persons under 18 and persons in education and training or leaving care
    15.—(1) After Article 30A of the principal Order (inserted by Article 14) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Dwellings occupied by persons under 18 and persons in education and training or leaving care
    30B.—(1) Regulations may provide that, subject to the condition in paragraph (2), a person ("A") shall not be chargeable to rates in respect of a hereditament for such periods as may be prescribed when—


(a) the hereditament is used wholly for the purposes of a private dwelling or falls within a prescribed class; and

(b) every occupier of it qualifies for rate relief under this Article and, except in prescribed cases, occupies the hereditament as his only or principal residence.



    (2) The condition referred to in paragraph (1) is that, where A receives payments from other persons in respect of their occupation of the hereditament, it appears to the Department that the amount of rates which is not chargeable to A and is attributable to their occupation of it will be applied for the benefit of those other persons.

    (3) A person qualifies for rate relief under this Article if—



(a) he—


(i) is under the age of 18; or

(ii) satisfies such conditions relating to education or training or to leaving care as may be prescribed; and



(b) complies with such requirements as may be prescribed.



    (4) A person shall be regarded for the purposes of this Article as occupying a hereditament as his only or principal residence if he resides there during such periods as may be prescribed.

    (5) Regulations may provide that—



(a) a person shall not be chargeable to rates by virtue of this Article only if an application is made (by him or another person) to the Department containing such information as the Department may reasonably require;

(b) a person aggrieved by a decision of the Department under the regulations may—


(i) require the Department to review its decision; and

(ii) appeal to the Valuation Tribunal;



(c) the Department or any person aggrieved by a decision of the Valuation Tribunal on an appeal by virtue of sub-paragraph (b) as being erroneous on a point of law may require the Valuation Tribunal to state and sign a case for the Court of Appeal;

(d) where an occupier of a hereditament has parental responsibility for another occupier of the hereditament, that other occupier need not occupy the hereditament as his only or principal residence.



    (6) In paragraph (5)(d) "parental responsibility" has the same meaning as in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (NI 2).".

    (2) In Article 42 of the principal Order (distinguishment in valuation list of certain other hereditaments exempted from rates), at the end there shall be added the following paragraphs—

    " (2A) Regulations may provide that, subject to the condition in paragraph (2B), there shall be distinguished in the NAV list as wholly exempt from rates any hereditament which—


(a) comprises a hall of residence provided predominantly for the accommodation of persons who satisfy prescribed conditions as to education or training; and

(b) is—


(i) owned or managed by a prescribed body; or

(ii) the subject of an agreement allowing such a body to nominate the majority of the persons who are to occupy all the accommodation so provided.



    (2B) The condition referred to in paragraph (2A) is that it appears to the Commissioner or the district valuer that the amount of rates which would but for the regulations be chargeable in respect of the hereditament, less reasonable administrative costs, will be applied for the benefit of persons accommodated there who satisfy prescribed conditions as to education or training.".

Persons with a disability
"Disability"
    16.—(1) Article 2 of the principal Order (interpretation) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (2), for the definition of "disabled person" there shall be substituted the following definition—

" "disability" shall be construed in accordance with paragraph (2A);".

    (3) After paragraph (2) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

    " (2A) For the purposes of this Order a person has a disability if he—


(a) is substantially and permanently disabled (whether by illness, injury, congenital deformity or otherwise); or

(b) suffers from mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (NI 4).".

Rate rebates for certain hereditaments with special facilities for persons with a disability
    17.—(1) Article 31A of the principal Order (rate rebates for certain hereditaments with special facilities for persons with a disability) shall have effect as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1), for ", (8) and (11)" there shall be substituted "and (8)".

    (3) For paragraphs (2) and (3) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (2) This Article applies to—


(a) a hereditament in which there is a facility which is required for meeting the needs of a person who resides in the hereditament and has a disability, including a facility of either of the following descriptions—


(i) a room, other than a kitchen, bathroom or lavatory, which is wholly or mainly used (whether for providing therapy or for other purposes) by such a person; or

(ii) an additional kitchen, bathroom or lavatory; and



(b) a hereditament in which there is sufficient floor space to permit the use of a wheelchair used by and required for meeting the needs of a person who resides in the hereditament and has a disability.



    (3) In paragraph (2)—



(a) references to a person who resides in a hereditament include references to a person who is usually resident there; and

(b) subject to paragraph (3A), references to a facility or a wheelchair being required for meeting the needs of a person who has a disability are references to its being essential or of major importance to that person's well-being by reason of the nature and extent of the disability.



    (3A) A wheelchair is not required for meeting a person's needs if he does not need to use it within the living accommodation comprising or included in the hereditament.".

    (4) In paragraph (4), for the words "disabled person" in both places where they occur there shall be substituted the words "person with a disability".

    (5) For paragraphs (10) and (11) (amount of rebate) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (10) The amount of a rebate shall be so much of the rates chargeable in respect of the hereditament for, or properly apportionable to, the rebate period or the relevant part of it as is referable to 25 per cent. of its rateable capital value.".

    (6) Paragraph (11) shall be omitted.

    (7) After paragraph (11) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

    " (11A) If the Department decides that an applicant for a rebate is not entitled to a rebate, it shall serve notice of its decision on the applicant.".

    (8) For paragraph (12) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (12) Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Department under paragraph (11A) may, within twenty-eight days of the service on him of a notice under that paragraph, apply to the Department for a review by the Department of its decision.

    (12A) The Department shall serve on that person a notice of the result of the review.

    (12B) If that person is dissatisfied with the result of the review, he may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

    (12C) The Department or any person aggrieved by a decision of the Valuation Tribunal under paragraph (12B) as being erroneous on a point of law may require the Valuation Tribunal to state and sign a case for the Court of Appeal.".

    (9) After paragraph (13) there shall be added the following paragraph—

    " (14) Where the person entitled to a rebate under this Article is also entitled to a rebate under Article 30A in respect of the same hereditament and period, a rate relief scheme under that Article shall have effect as if the rates chargeable in respect of the hereditament for that period were reduced by the amount of the rebate under this Article.".

    (10) In the heading to the Article, for the words "the disabled" there shall be substituted the words "persons with a disability".

    (11) Where Article 31A applied to a hereditament by virtue of a person's needs immediately before the commencement of paragraph (3), that Article shall continue to apply to that hereditament for so long as it would, but for that paragraph, have continued by virtue of that person's needs to do so.

    (12) Where the amount of a rebate granted under Article 31A not more than twelve months before the commencement of this paragraph in respect of a relevant hereditament by virtue of the needs of a person was a percentage greater than 25 per cent. of the relevant amount, paragraph (10) of that Article (as substituted by this Article) shall have effect, in relation to a rebate in respect of that hereditament by virtue of the needs of that person, as if for the reference to 25 per cent. there were substituted a reference to that greater percentage.

    (13) In paragraph (12)—

"relevant amount", in relation to a rebate granted as mentioned in that paragraph, means the amount of rates which would but for Article 31A have been chargeable—

(a) in respect of the hereditament if it was a dwelling-house or a hereditament described in Article 31A(2)(c)(ii);

(b) in any other case, in respect of the part of the net annual value of the hereditament apportioned to the use of the hereditament for the purposes of a private dwelling;

"relevant hereditament" means a dwelling-house or a hereditament described in Article 31A(2)(c)(ii) or used partly for the purposes of a private dwelling;

references in this paragraph to Article 31A(2)(c)(ii) being references to Article 31A(2)(c)(ii) as it had effect immediately before the commencement of paragraph (3) of this Article.

Transitional relief
Transitional rate relief
    18.—(1) Article 33A of the principal Order (transitional rate relief) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) for the words from the beginning to "of the new valuation list," there shall be substituted the words "Where this Article applies,"; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b)(ii), for the words "any such difference in the net annual value" there shall be substituted the words "the new net annual value or the new capital value".

    (3) For paragraph (2) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (2) This Article applies where, on the coming into force of a new valuation list—


(a) a new net annual value; or

(b) a new capital value,



is ascribed to a specified hereditament in that list.

    (3) In this Article—



"a new capital value", in relation to a specified hereditament, means—
(a) a capital value which differs from the capital value ascribed to the hereditament in an old list;

(b) a capital value where no capital value was ascribed to the hereditament in an old list;


"new net annual value", in relation to a specified hereditament, means—
(a) a net annual value which differs from the net annual value ascribed to the hereditament in an old list;

(b) a net annual value where no net annual value was ascribed to the hereditament in an old list;


"old list" means a valuation list in force immediately before the coming into force of the new valuation list referred to in paragraph (2) (including a valuation list which continues to have effect thereafter);
"specified hereditament" means a hereditament of such a class as may be specified in an order under paragraph (1).".

Charitable exemptions
Extension of exemption relating to sale of goods donated to a charity
    19.In Article 41 of the principal Order (distinguishment in valuation list of hereditaments used for public, charitable or certain other purposes), for paragraph (5) (hereditaments treated as used for charitable purposes to the extent used for sale of goods donated to a charity) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (5) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (4) and without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (2)(c)(ii), a hereditament shall be treated as used for charitable purposes—


(a) to the extent that it is used for the sale of goods donated to a charity, and

(b) if it is mainly used for the sale of goods donated to a charity, to the extent that it is used for the sale of other goods if they are of a description specified in an order made by the Department,



so long as the proceeds of the sale of the goods mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) (after any deduction of expenses) are applied for the purposes of a charity.

    (5A) The Department shall not make an order under paragraph (5)(b) unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Assembly.".

Extension of charitable exemption for clergy residences
    20.—(1) Paragraph (8) of Article 41 of the principal Order (exemption for clergy residences if an interest in the hereditament belongs to, or to trustees for, a religious body) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) The words "an interest in which belongs to, or to trustees for, a religious body and" shall cease to have effect.

    (3) In sub-paragraph (a), the words "(in right of that interest)" shall cease to have effect.

    (4) In sub-paragraph (b), for the words "(in right of that interest)" there shall be substituted the words ", in right of an interest which belongs to, or to trustees for, a religious body,".

Unoccupied hereditaments
Power to prescribe exemption where hereditament has both a capital value and a net annual value
    21.In Article 25A of the principal Order (liability to be rated in respect of certain unoccupied hereditaments), after paragraph (3) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

    " (3A) Regulations may provide that where a hereditament has both a capital value and a net annual value, a person shall not be chargeable to rates under this Article in respect of its capital value.".

Power to remove exemption for unoccupied dwelling-houses, etc.
    22.—(1) Paragraph 1 of Schedule 8A to the principal Order (hereditaments to which that Schedule applies) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) In sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) in head (b) for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list";

(b) for head (c) there shall be substituted the following head—


" (c) except as provided by an order made by the Department, it is not a dwelling-house, a private garage or private storage premises.".

    (3) After sub-paragraph (3) there shall be added the following sub-paragraph—

    " (4) The Department shall not make an order under sub-paragraph (1)(c) unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.".

Power to prescribe reduction in amount payable
    23.For paragraph 2 of Schedule 8A to the principal Order (reduction of 50 per cent. in amount payable in respect of certain unoccupied hereditaments) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " 2.—(1) The amount which, apart from this paragraph, would be payable on account of a rate in respect of any hereditament by virtue of Article 25A shall be reduced by the appropriate percentage.

    (2) In sub-paragraph (1) the "appropriate percentage" means in relation to any hereditament 50 per cent. or such other percentage as may be substituted in relation to that hereditament by an order made by the Department.

    (3) The Department shall not make an order under sub-paragraph (2) unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.".

Former agricultural land, etc.
Reduction of rates on former agricultural land, etc.
    24.After Article 31 of the principal Order (reduction of rates on certain hereditaments used for recreation) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Reduction of rates on former agricultural land, etc.
    31AA.—(1) Subject to paragraph (10), the amount which, apart from this Article, would be payable on account of a rate in respect of the net annual value of a hereditament to which this Article applies shall for each qualifying year be reduced by 50 per cent.

    (2) This Article applies to a hereditament which—


(a) consists wholly or mainly of land or buildings which were for the qualifying period but are no longer agricultural land or buildings;

(b) is occupied by a qualifying person;

(c) has a net annual value not exceeding £7,000; and

(d) is not used for the production of, or trade in, any agricultural products.



    (3) In this Article—



"agricultural land or buildings" means—
(a) agricultural land;

(b) agricultural buildings;

(c) livestock or poultry buildings;


"agricultural product" means any product listed in Annex I to the EEC Treaty;
"qualifying period" means at least 183 days (which need not be consecutive days) in the twelve months immediately preceding the commencement of Article 24 of the Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006;
"qualifying person" means, subject to paragraph (4),—
(a) the occupier during the qualifying period of the land or buildings mentioned in paragraph (2)(a); or

(b) a member of his family;


"qualifying year", in relation to a hereditament, means so much of any year as includes any part of the period of 36 months beginning with the first day, not later than 31st March 2010, on which this Article applies to it.

    (4) For the purposes of the definition of "qualifying person" in paragraph (3), if the occupier during the qualifying period was a body corporate or a partnership, the reference to the occupier shall be treated as including a reference to—



(a) in the case of a body corporate, any person who, on each of the days constituting the qualifying period, had (alone or together with members of that person's family)—


(i) more than half the voting rights in the company, or

(ii) the right to appoint or remove a majority of the directors of the company; or



(b) in the case of a partnership, any person who, together with members of that person's family, were, on each of those days, both, all or a majority of the partners in the partnership.



    (5) For the purposes of this Article a person is a member of another's family if—



(a) he is the spouse or civil partner of that person, or he and that person live together as husband and wife or as if they were civil partners;

(b) he is that person's parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece or is the child of that person's uncle or aunt.



    (6) For the purposes of paragraph (5)—



(a) a relationship by marriage shall be treated as a relationship by blood;

(b) a relationship of the half-blood shall be treated as a relationship of the whole blood; and

(c) the stepchild of a person shall be treated as his child.



    (7) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a)—



(a) there shall be disregarded any part of the hereditament which, on the days which are taken into account for the purposes of determining whether the condition set out in paragraph (2)(a) is met, was used for the purposes of a private dwelling; and

(b) a building which has replaced an agricultural building or a livestock or poultry building shall be treated as if it were the original building.



    (8) If a reduction under this Article, or any adjustment in it, affects the amount levied on account of a rate in respect of a hereditament for any year, the difference—



(a) if too much has been paid, shall be repaid or allowed; or

(b) if too little has been paid, shall be paid and may be recovered as if it were arrears of the rate.



    (9) So much of any reduction or repayment under this Article as contravenes a Community obligation shall be recoverable as if it were a debt due to the Department on account of a rate.

    (10) The Department may by order made subject to affirmative resolution amend—



(a) the amount mentioned in paragraph (2)(c); or

(b) the date mentioned in the definition of "qualifying year" in paragraph (3).".


Other exemptions

Exemption for automatic telling machines in rural areas
    25.In Article 42 of the principal Order (distinguishment in valuation list of certain hereditaments exempted from rates), after paragraph (1E) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

    " (1F) There shall be distinguished in the NAV list as wholly exempt from rates any automatic telling machine which is situated in a rural area during the relevant year.

    (1G) In paragraph (1F)—


"automatic telling machine" means a hereditament which is used only for the purposes of a machine which provides automatic telling and other services on behalf of a bank or building society;
"relevant year" means any year beginning on or after the commencement of Article 25 of the Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and ending before 1st April 2010 or on such later date as the Department may by order made subject to affirmative resolution specify;
"rural area" means a ward designated by the Department by order subject to negative resolution as a rural area for the purposes of paragraph (1F);
"ward" has the same meaning as it has for local government purposes.".

Power to remove exemption for private dwellings from completion notices
    26.—(1) Paragraph 1 of Schedule 8B to the principal Order (new buildings – service of completion notices) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) In sub-paragraph (6) (completion notice not to be served if building is, or when next in use will be, used wholly for the purposes of a private dwelling), for the word "The" there shall be substituted the words "Except as provided by an order made by the Department, the".

    (3) After that sub-paragraph there shall be added the following sub-paragraphs—

    " (7) The Department shall not make an order under sub-paragraph (6) unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.

    (8) An order under sub-paragraph (6) may contain such incidental, supplemental and transitional provisions as the Department considers necessary or expedient, including provisions modifying this Schedule.".

Power to extend exemption from completion notices
    27.In paragraph 1 of Schedule 8B to the principal Order (new buildings – service of completion notices), after sub-paragraph (8) (added by Article 26(3)) there shall be added the following sub-paragraph—

    " (9) The Department shall not serve a completion notice in relation to a building of a prescribed class.".

Reduction of regional rate on dwellings
Abolition of reduction of regional rate on dwellings
    28.Article 27 of the principal Order (reduction of regional rate on dwellings) shall cease to have effect.



PART V
APPLICATIONS AND APPEALS
Valuation Tribunal
The Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal
    29.—(1) After Article 36 of the principal Order (the Commissioner, district valuers and the Valuation Office) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" The Valuation Tribunal
The Valuation Tribunal
    36A.—(1) There shall be a tribunal to be known as the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal which shall exercise the jurisdiction conferred on it by this Order or any other statutory provision.

    (2) In this Order "the Valuation Tribunal" means the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal.

    (3) Schedule 9B (which makes further provision about the Valuation Tribunal) shall have effect.".

    (2) After Schedule 9A to the principal Order there shall be inserted as Schedule 9B the Schedule set out in Schedule 1.

Applications under Article 49 of the principal Order
Frivolous or vexatious applications
    30.In Article 49 of the principal Order (revision of valuation list, and alteration, by district valuer), after paragraph (5) there shall be added the following paragraph—

    " (6) If the district valuer decides that an application served on him is frivolous or vexatious—


(a) he shall serve on the applicant notice of his decision; and

(b) sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1) shall not have effect in relation to that application.".

Transfer of application from the district valuer to the Commissioner
    31.After Article 49 of the principal Order there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Transfer to the Commissioner of application under Article 49
    49A.—(1) The district valuer may, with the consent of the applicant, transfer to the Commissioner an application served on the district valuer under Article 49.

    (2) Where an application is transferred under this Article, the functions of the district valuer in relation to the application served on him shall be exercisable by the Commissioner.".

Appeals to the Commissioner under Article 51 of the principal Order
Power to transfer appeal to the Lands Tribunal not to apply in prescribed cases
    32.In Article 53 of the principal Order (power of Commissioner to transfer appeal to the Lands Tribunal), in paragraph (1), for the word "Where" there shall be substituted the words "Except in prescribed cases, where".

Appeals from the Commissioner and the Valuation Tribunal
Appeals from the Commissioner and the Valuation Tribunal
    33.For Article 54 of the principal Order (appeal to Lands Tribunal from decision of Commissioner) there shall be substituted the following Articles—

" Appeal from decision of Commissioner
    54.—(1) Any person, other than the Department, who is aggrieved by—


(a) the decision of the Commissioner under Article 49A or on an appeal under Article 51; or

(b) an alteration made by the Commissioner in a valuation list in consequence of such a decision,



may appeal to the appropriate Tribunal.

    (2) On an appeal under this Article the Tribunal may—



(a) make any decision that the Commissioner might have made; and

(b) if any alteration in a valuation list is necessary to give effect to the decision, direct that the list be altered accordingly.



    (3) On an appeal under this Article, any valuation shown in a valuation list with respect to a hereditament shall be deemed to be correct until the contrary is shown.

    (4) In this Order "the appropriate Tribunal" means—



(a) in relation to such appeals as may be prescribed, the Valuation Tribunal;

(b) in relation to any other appeals, the Lands Tribunal.



Appeal from decision or direction of Valuation Tribunal
    54A.—(1) Any person who is aggrieved by any decision or direction of the Valuation Tribunal under Article 13(3) or 54(2) may, with the leave of—



(a) the Lands Tribunal; or

(b) the President of the Valuation Tribunal,



appeal to the Lands Tribunal.

    (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall be treated as a person aggrieved by a decision or direction of the Valuation Tribunal under Article 13(3) relating to a determination made by the Department.

    (3) On an appeal under this Article the Lands Tribunal may—



(a) make any decision that the Valuation Tribunal might have made;

(b) if any alteration in a valuation list is necessary to give effect to the decision, direct that the list be altered accordingly;

(c) remit the appeal or any matter arising on it to the Valuation Tribunal with such declarations or directions as the Lands Tribunal thinks proper.



    (4) The Valuation Tribunal shall have regard to any declarations and obey any directions under paragraph (3)(c).

    (5) On an appeal under this Article, any valuation shown in a valuation list with respect to a hereditament shall be deemed to be correct until the contrary is shown.".

PART VI
MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTARY
Payment of interest
Payment of interest
    34.After Article 15 of the principal Order (refund of overpayments) there shall be inserted the following Article—

" Payment of interest
    15A.Regulations may make provision for interest calculated in accordance with the regulations to be payable by the Department in such manner and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.".

Rating of owners instead of occupiers
Rating of owners instead of occupiers in certain cases
    35.—(1) Article 20 of the principal Order (rating of owners instead of occupiers in certain cases) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) For paragraph (1) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

    " (1) Subject to the provisions of this Order, rates shall be payable by, and levied on, the owner, instead of the occupier, of a hereditament if any of the following sub-paragraphs applies—


(a) the net annual value of the hereditament does not exceed £750;

(b) the capital value of the hereditament does not exceed £55,000;

(c) both the following conditions are satisfied—


(i) the rent of the hereditament is payable or is collected at intervals shorter than quarterly or the tenancy agreement (if any, and all of them if more than one) does not provide when it is payable or collected; and

(ii) either its net annual value does not exceed £1,590 or its capital value does not exceed £150,000;



(d) separate parts of the hereditament are let as apartments or lodgings; or

(e) the hereditament consists of or includes a house in multiple occupation.



    (1A) Where a hereditament has a net annual value and a capital value, both conditions in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) or, as the case may be, in sub-paragraph (c)(ii) of paragraph (1) must be satisfied.

    (1B) In paragraph (1)(e) "house in multiple occupation" has the same meaning as in Part IV of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (NI 15) except that—



(a) a person under the age of 16 shall not be treated as a qualifying person for the purposes of that definition; and

(b) paragraphs (5) and (6) of Article 31AA shall apply for the purposes of determining whether a person is a member of another person's family for the purposes of this paragraph as they apply for the purposes of that Article.".

    (3) In paragraph (3), for the words "such as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of that paragraph" there shall be substituted the words "to which (subject to paragraph (1A)) sub-paragraph (a), (b) or (e) of paragraph (1) applies".

    (4) For paragraph (5) (power to amend paragraph (1) by order) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (5) The Department may by order made subject to affirmative resolution substitute a different limit for any limit specified in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c)(ii); but any such order shall not affect any person's liability for rates for any period before the coming into force of the first new valuation list to come into force after the date of the order, being a valuation list relevant to the net annual value or capital value of the hereditament in question.".

Powers to require information
Power to require information about occupiers of hereditaments in capital value list, etc.
    36.—(1) Article 26 of the principal Order (power of Department to require information as to ownership, etc., of hereditaments) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) After paragraph (2) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

    " (2ZA) The Department may, for the purposes of this Order, serve a notice on any relevant person requiring him to state to the Department in writing, within a period and in the manner specified in the notice, the following information if it is within his knowledge or control—


(a) the name of the occupier of a hereditament specified in the notice;

(b) the name and address of the owner of a hereditament specified in the notice.".

    (3) In paragraph (2B)—

(a) for the words "paragraph (2A)" there shall be substituted the words "paragraphs (2ZA) and (2A)";

(b) after sub-paragraph (b) there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph—


" (bb) the owner of the hereditament;".

Power to require information for valuation list purposes
    37.For Article 59 of the principal Order (power to call for returns) there shall be substituted the following Article—

" Power to require information for valuation list purposes
    59.—(1) The Commissioner or the district valuer, or any person authorised by the Commissioner or the district valuer in writing in that behalf, may serve a notice on any person requiring him to provide such information as may reasonably be required—


(a) for the purpose of enabling a new valuation list to be accurately prepared; or

(b) with a view to any revision or alteration of a valuation list.



    (2) Any person on whom a notice is served under this Article shall comply with the notice within a period and in the manner specified in the notice.".

Powers of entry
Powers of entry
    38.—(1) In Article 26A of the principal Order (powers of entry of persons authorised by Department)—

(a) paragraph (2) (power of entry not exercisable in relation to dwelling-houses, etc.) shall cease to have effect;

(b) for paragraph (3) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (3) The occupier or, if the land is not occupied, the person entitled to possession of it shall give such assistance as the person mentioned in paragraph (1) may reasonably require to enter the land or for the purpose mentioned in that paragraph.".

    (2) In Article 58 of the principal Order (powers of entry of valuers), for paragraphs (2) to (4) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (2) The occupier or, if the land is not occupied, the person entitled to possession of it shall give such assistance as the Commissioner or the person authorised by him may reasonably require to enter the land or for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (1).".

    (3) In Article 60 of the principal Order (offences)—

(a) in paragraph (4) (obstruction etc. of authorised person), the words ", other than the occupier or owner of land," shall cease to have effect;

(b) for paragraph (5) there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

    " (5) If any person fails without reasonable excuse to give any assistance which he is reasonably required to give under Article 26A or 58, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.".

Amendments
Amendments
    39.Schedule 2 (which amends the principal Order and other statutory provisions) shall have effect.

Transitional and consequential provisions, etc.
Power to make transitional and consequential provisions, etc.
    40.—(1) The Department may by order subject to negative resolution make such transitional or consequential provision (including provision modifying any statutory provision), or such savings, as the Department considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the coming into operation of any provision of this Order.

    (2) In paragraph (1) "modifying" means making additions, omissions, amendments, adaptations, applications, extensions, restrictions and substitutions.

Repeals
Repeals
    41.The statutory provisions set out in Schedule 3 are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the second column of that Schedule.


Christine Cook
Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council


SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1Article 29(2).


SCHEDULE TO BE INSERTED IN PRINCIPAL ORDER AS SCHEDULE 9B

" SCHEDULE 9B
VALUATION TRIBUNAL

Introductory
    1.—(1) In this Schedule—


"rules" means rules made under paragraph 7;
"the Tribunal" means the Valuation Tribunal.

    (2) Until the commencement of section 5(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26), references in this Schedule to the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly or to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister shall be construed as references to the Lord Chancellor.



Members
    2.—(1) The Tribunal shall consist of the President and the other members of the Tribunal.

    (2) The First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly shall appoint—


(a) a President of the Tribunal;

(b) other members of the Tribunal who must include—


(i) legal members;

(ii) members who have had experience in the valuation of land; and

(iii) ordinary members.



    (3) A person may be appointed as the President or as a legal member of the Tribunal only if he is a barrister or solicitor of at least seven years' standing.

    (4) The Lord Chief Justice may designate a legal member of the Tribunal to carry out the functions of the President when he is unable to act or when the office is vacant.

    3.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), the members of the Tribunal shall hold and vacate office as such in accordance with the terms of their respective appointments.

    (2) A person holding office as a member of the Tribunal may resign that office by giving notice in writing to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

    (3) A person holding office as a member of the Tribunal shall vacate his office on the day on which he attains the age of 70, unless the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly authorise him to continue in office for a period or periods not exceeding one year and not extending beyond the day on which the person attains the age of 75.

    (4) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), a member of the Tribunal who ceases to hold office is eligible for re-appointment.



Remuneration etc.
    4.The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister may pay to the members of the Tribunal such remuneration and allowances as the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister may determine.

Sittings
    5.The Tribunal shall sit at such times and in such places as the President may direct in accordance with general arrangements made by the Lord Chancellor.

Tribunals
    6.The jurisdiction of the Tribunal may be exercised by a single tribunal or by two or more tribunals if the President so directs.

Rules
    7.—(1) The Lord Chancellor may make rules—


(a) regulating the exercise of a right of appeal to the Tribunal;

(b) about practice and procedure in relation to proceedings before the Tribunal.



    (2) Nothing in paragraphs 8 to 13 affects the generality of sub-paragraph (1).

    (3) Rules made under this paragraph shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in like manner as a statutory instrument and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) shall apply accordingly.

    8.Rules may include provision—



(a) determining by which tribunal any appeal is to be determined where the jurisdiction of the Tribunal is being exercised by more than one tribunal;

(b) providing that the chairman of any such tribunal must be the President or a legal member;

(c) determining which members of the Tribunal are to hear any appeal;

(d) enabling functions of the Tribunal specified in the rules to be discharged by such person as may be determined by or under the rules.



    9.Rules may include provision—



(a) specifying the procedure to be followed for initiating an appeal (including the time within which an appeal must be brought);

(b) authorising an appeal to be disposed of with the consent of the parties on the basis of written representations;

(c) specifying the procedure to be followed before the hearing of an appeal;

(d) authorising an appeal to be withdrawn in circumstances specified in the rules.



    10.Rules may include provision that, subject to any other provision of the rules, the Tribunal may regulate its own procedure.

    11.—(1) Rules may include provision—



(a) for requiring hearings of appeals to take place in public except in circumstances specified in the rules;

(b) for parties to the appeal to be represented by such persons as may be determined by or under the rules;

(c) for authorising hearings of appeals to proceed in the absence of a party or parties to the appeal in circumstances specified in the rules;

(d) for requiring persons to attend to give evidence and produce documents;

(e) as to evidence generally (whether written evidence or oral evidence given under oath or affirmation);

(f) as to the adjournment of hearings.



    (2) Any person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any requirement imposed by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(d) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.

    12.Rules may include provision—



(a) that where two or more members of a tribunal are acting the decision of the majority is to prevail or, if the votes are equal, the chairman is to have a casting vote;

(b) requiring reasons for a decision to be given;

(c) authorising a decision to be given orally or in writing;

(d) authorising or requiring an order to be made in consequence of a decision;

(e) that an order may require a valuation list to be altered;

(f) enabling the Tribunal to review its decisions, or to vary or revoke an order of the Tribunal, in such circumstances as may be determined in accordance with the rules.



    13.Rules may include provision—



(a) for the registration and proof of decisions and orders of the Tribunal;

(b) authorising the correction of clerical errors in records of decisions and orders;

(c) requiring decisions, orders and corrections to be communicated to the parties to appeals.

Directions


    14.The President may, subject to rules, give directions about the practice and procedure of the Tribunal.".

SCHEDULE 2Article 39.


AMENDMENTS

The Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (c. 25)
    1.In Part II of Schedule 1 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), insert the following entry at the appropriate place—

" The Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal".

The principal Order
    2.—(1) In Article 2 (interpretation), amend paragraph (2) as follows.

    (2) After "In this Order—" insert the following definition—

" "the appropriate Tribunal" has the meaning given by Article 54(4);".

    (3) In the definition of "the Department", for "Finance" substitute "Finance and Personnel".

    (4) In the definition of "hereditament", for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list".

    (5) In the definition of "net annual value", for "to 39B" substitute "and 39A".

    (6) In the definition of "the penultimate year", for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list".

    (7) After the definition of "prescribed" insert the following definitions—

" "private garage" has the meaning given by paragraph 6 of Schedule 5;
"private storage premises" has the meaning given by paragraph 7 of Schedule 5;".

    (8) Omit the definition of "rack rent".

    (9) After the definition of "rate" insert the following definitions—

" "rateable capital value" and "rateable net annual value" shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 7;".

    (10) In the definition of "regulations", omit the words from "of the Environment" to "require".

    (11) After the definition of "the valuation list" insert the following definition—

" "the Valuation Tribunal" has the meaning assigned to it by Article 36A(2);".

    3.In Article 4, after "private dwelling" add "and the definitions of "private garage" and "private storage premises" contained in paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 5 shall have effect for the purposes of this Order".

    4.—(1) Amend Article 5 (interpretation: definitions of "material change of circumstances" and "the time of valuation") as follows.

    (2) For the words from "and, in" to "and 2" substitute "has the meaning assigned to it by paragraph 1".

    (3) In the heading to that Article—

(a) for "definitions" substitute "definition";

(b) omit "and "the time of valuation"".

    5.In Article 9 (levying of rates), in paragraph (5), for sub-paragraph (b) substitute the following sub-paragraph—

" (b) any rateable net annual value or rateable capital value of the hereditament and, where different, any net annual value or capital value of the hereditament;".

    6.In Article 10 (departures from valuation list in levying rates), in paragraph (1), for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list".

    7.—(1) Amend Article 11 (appeal against rate) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (2)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a), for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list";

(b) omit sub-paragraph (b);

(c) in sub-paragraph (c), for "the valuation list" in both places where it occurs substitute "a valuation list".

    (3) In paragraph (3)(b)—

(a) for "the valuation list" where it first occurs substitute "any valuation list";

(b) in head (i), for "the valuation list" substitute "any relevant list";

(c) in head (ii), for "the net annual value" substitute "any net annual value or capital value".

    8.—(1) Amend Article 13 (effect of alteration in valuation list) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a)(iii), for "the valuation list last previously in force" substitute "a valuation list superseded by the new list to any extent in relation to the hereditament";

(b) in sub-paragraph (e), for "to the Lands Tribunal" substitute "under Article 54 or 54A".

    (3) For paragraph (1A) substitute the following paragraph—

    " (1A) Where an alteration falling within paragraph (1)(c)—


(a) increases or decreases the net annual value ascribed to the hereditament by an amount not exceeding £250 or such other amount as the Department may by order subject to affirmative resolution substitute; or

(b) increases the capital value ascribed to the hereditament, falls within head (ii) of paragraph (1)(c) and is made by reason of any event which is a material change of circumstances such as is mentioned in paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 6,



the alteration shall have effect on and after the date of the commencement of the year immediately following the year in which the alteration is made.".

    (4) In paragraph (1C), for "the net annual value" substitute "any net annual value or capital value".

    (5) In paragraph (1D), for "54" substitute "54A".

    (6) For paragraph (2) substitute—

    " (2) Any question as to the appropriate date for the purposes of paragraph (1)(f)(ii)—


(a) may be determined—


(i) by the Lands Tribunal if the question arises in connection with a decision of the Lands Tribunal on an appeal under this Order; or

(ii) by the Valuation Tribunal, subject to any determination by the Lands Tribunal under head (i), if it arises in connection with a decision of the Valuation Tribunal on an appeal under the succeeding provisions of this Order; or



(b) if it is not so determined, shall in the first instance be determined by the Department.".

    (7) In paragraph (3), for sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute the following sub-paragraphs—

" (a) any person aggrieved by a determination made by the Department under that sub-paragraph may—


(i) if the appropriate Tribunal is the Valuation Tribunal, appeal to the Valuation Tribunal;

(ii) in any other case, to the Lands Tribunal; and



(b) on an appeal under sub-paragraph (a), the Tribunal to which the appeal is made may give such directions in the matter as it considers appropriate;

    and the Department and the Valuation Tribunal shall comply with any directions given to it under sub-paragraph (b).".

    (8) In paragraph (4), for "the list" substitute "a valuation list".

    (9) In paragraph (5) for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list".

    9.—(1) Amend Article 14 (rating on basis of apportioned value in certain cases) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list";

(b) after "net annual value" in both places where it occurs insert "or the capital value".

    (3) In paragraph (2)—

(a) after "net annual value" in the first two places where it occurs insert "or the capital value";

(b) after "net annual value" in the last place where it occurs insert "or its capital value";

(c) in sub-paragraph (iii) for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list";

(d) for "the valuation list" in the last place where it occurs substitute "the appropriate valuation list".

    (4) In paragraph (3), for "21(1)(a) or (b)" substitute "21".

    10.In Article 15 (refund of overpayments), in paragraph (1)(b) for "list" substitute "lists".

    11.—(1) Amend Article 16 (certificates and statements as to rates, etc.) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)(a) for "or the rateable value" substitute ", the capital value or the rateable values".

    (3) In paragraph (3)(b), omit the words "or 1st October 1973, whichever is the later".

    12.In Article 19 (general provisions as to liability and assessment to rate), omit sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (4) (person not entitled to recover sum unless application made within three months of his ceasing to be occupier of hereditament).

    13.—(1) Amend Article 30 (discount on rates on dwellings) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (2)(b), for "domestic element of the rateable value" substitute "rateable capital value".

    (3) Omit paragraph (4).

    14.—(1) Amend Article 31 (reduction of rates on certain hereditaments used for recreation) as follows.

    (2) In the following provisions for "valuation list" substitute "NAV list"—

(a) paragraph (2)(c);

(b) paragraph (3).

    (3) In paragraph (4)—

(a) for "valuation list" where it first occurs substitute "NAV list";

(b) in sub-paragraph (a), for "valuation list" substitute "list".

    (4) In paragraph (6), in the definition of "the normal rate", after "in respect of" in the second place where it occurs insert "the rateable net annual value of ".

    15.—(1) Amend Article 31B (rate rebates for certain hereditaments used by institutions for persons with a disability) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (3)(c) and (d), for "disabled persons" substitute "persons with a disability".

    (3) In paragraph (11), for "54" substitute "54A".

    (4) In the heading to that Article, for "the disabled" substitute "persons with a disability".

    16.—(1) Amend Article 32 (proceedings for recovery of rates) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (7)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (b), for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list";

(b) omit sub-paragraph (c);

(c) in sub-paragraph (d)(i) and (ii), for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list".

    (3) In paragraph (8) for "section 72(1)" substitute "Article 63(1)".

    17.In Article 33B (hardship relief), in paragraph (3), for sub-paragraph (a) substitute—

" (a) has a net annual value; and".

    18.—(1) Amend Article 39 (basis of valuation) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (2)—

(a) for "Articles 39A and 39B" substitute "Article 39A";

(b) after "net annual value" insert "or the capital value".

    (3) In paragraph (3)—

(a) for "Where" substitute "Subject to paragraph (4), where";

(b) after "net annual value" in both places where it occurs insert "or the capital value".

    (4) After paragraph (3), add the following paragraph—

    " (4) Sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) of paragraph (3) shall not apply to orders under paragraph 7(4) or 12(3) of Part I of Schedule 12.".

    19.—(1) Amend Article 39A (time by reference to which, and basis on which, valuations to be made for new valuation list) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) for "a specified" substitute "any";

(b) for "new valuation list" substitute "new NAV list".

    (3) Omit paragraphs (2) and (3).

    (4) In the heading to that Article, for "new valuation list" substitute "new NAV list".

    20.Omit Article 39B (adjusted net annual value).

    21.In Article 39C (rating of electricity licence holders), in paragraph (1), for "valuation list" substitute "NAV list".

    22.In Article 39D (rating of gas licence holders, etc.), in paragraph (1), for "valuation list" substitute "NAV list".

    23.In Article 39E (rating of hereditaments occupied for the purpose of water supply or sewerage services), in paragraph (1), for "valuation list" substitute "NAV list".

    24.—(1) Amend Article 41 (distinguishment in valuation list of hereditaments used for public, charitable or certain other purposes) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1), the words "in the valuation list as exempt from rates" shall cease to have effect.

    (3) For paragraph (3) substitute the following paragraphs—

    " (3) The hereditament shall be distinguished—


(a) in the capital value list, if it is used for domestic purposes which are also exempting purposes, as exempt from rates under that list to one-half of the extent to which it is so used;

(b) in the NAV list, as exempt from rates under that list to the whole of the extent that it is used for exempting purposes which are not domestic purposes.



    (3A) Where the hereditament is used otherwise than wholly for domestic purposes which are exempting purposes, the capital value of the hereditament shall be apportioned by the Commissioner or the district valuer between—



(a) the use of the hereditament for domestic purposes which are exempting purposes; and

(b) the use of the hereditament for other purposes (so far as relevant to its capital value);



and the apportionment shall be shown in the capital value list.

    (3B) Where the hereditament is used otherwise than wholly for exempting purposes which are not domestic purposes, the net annual value of the hereditament shall be apportioned by the Commissioner or the district valuer between—



(a) the use of the hereditament for exempting purposes which are not domestic purposes; and

(b) the use of the hereditament for other purposes (so far as relevant to its net annual value);



and the apportionment shall be shown in the NAV list.

    (3C) In paragraphs (3) to (3B) and (4), "exempting purposes" means purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), (b)(i) or (ii), (c), (d) or (e) of paragraph (2).".

    (4) In paragraph (4), for the words from "the purposes" to "paragraph (2)" substitute "exempting purposes".

    25.In Article 41A(1) (distinguishment in valuation list of hereditaments occupied by certain bodies and used or made available for use for charitable purposes) and in the heading to that Article, for "valuation" substitute "NAV".

    26.—(1) Amend Article 42 (distinguishment in valuation list of certain other hereditaments exempted from rates) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1), for "valuation" substitute "NAV".

    (3) In paragraph (1A), for "valuation" substitute "NAV".

    (4) Omit paragraph (1D).

    (5) In paragraph (1E), omit "or (1D)".

    (6) In the heading to that Article, for "valuation" substitute "NAV".

    27.In Article 43 (distinguishment in valuation list of industrial hereditaments) and in the heading to that Article for "valuation" in each place where it occurs substitute "NAV".

    28.—(1) Amend Article 44 (other matters required or authorised to be entered in valuation list) as follows.

    (2) Omit paragraphs (1) and (2).

    (3) In paragraph (2A), for "valuation list" in each place where it occurs substitute "NAV list".

    (4) After paragraph (2A) add the following paragraph—

    " (2B) References in paragraph (2A)(b) to the hereditament shall not include any part of the hereditament which is used for the purposes of a private dwelling.".

    29.—(1) Amend Article 47 (supply of copies of valuation lists, etc., and of information) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (2), for "rateable value" substitute "rateable values, capital value".

    (3) Omit paragraph (4).

    30.—(1) Amend Article 49 (revision of the valuation list, and alteration, by district valuer) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) for "Article" substitute "paragraph (6) and Articles 49A and";

(b) for "the valuation list" in both places where it occurs substitute "a valuation list";

(c) in sub-paragraph (b), for "the list" substitute "that or any other list".

    (3) In paragraph (2), omit "in the valuation list".

    (4) In paragraph (3), omit "in the valuation list".

    (5) In paragraph (5), for "a new valuation list" substitute "the valuation list in question".

    (6) In the heading to that Article omit "the".

    31.—(1) Amend Article 50 (alteration in the valuation list by Commissioner) as follows.

    (2) For "the valuation list" in each place where it occurs substitute "a valuation list".

    (3) In paragraph (1)(a), for head (iv) substitute the following head—

" (iv) to show the net annual value of the hereditaments occupied by a dock authority which are mentioned in Part X of Schedule 12 or by a holder of a licence or an exemption under Part II of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 or Part II of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 or by a water undertaker or sewerage undertaker;".

    (4) In the heading to that Article omit "the".

    32.—(1) Amend Article 51 (appeal to Commissioner against alteration of, or decision not to alter, the valuation list, or review by Commissioner of certain alterations made by him in the list) as follows.

    (2) For paragraph (1) substitute the following paragraphs—

    " (1) Any person other than the Department who is aggrieved by an alteration which the district valuer has caused to be made in a valuation list may, within twenty-eight days of the service on him of the certificate of alteration appeal to the Commissioner against the alteration.

    (1A) Any person other than the Department who is aggrieved by a decision of the district valuer not to cause a valuation list to be altered in consequence of an application by him for the revision of that list may, within twenty-eight days from the date of service on him of the notice of the decision, appeal to the Commissioner against the decision.

    (1B) Paragraph (1A) does not apply to a decision under Article 49(6).".

    (3) In paragraph (2)—

(a) omit the words from "of the Environment" to "Personnel";

(b) for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list".

    (4) In paragraph (4), after "paragraph (1)" insert ", (1A)".

    (5) In the heading to that Article omit "the" in both places where it occurs.

    33.—(1) Amend Article 52 (procedure on appeal to Commissioner) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1) omit "in the valuation list".

    (3) In paragraph (3)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) after "list" insert "in question";

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) omit "in the valuation list".

    (4) In paragraph (4)—

(a) for "the valuation list" where it first occurs substitute "a valuation list";

(b) omit "in the valuation list" in the second place where it occurs;

(c) in sub-paragraph (a) for "the valuation list" substitute "that list";

(d) in sub-paragraph (b) for "the valuation list" substitute "any valuation list".

    (5) After paragraph (4) insert the following paragraphs—

    " (4A) Where the valuation list is a capital value list—


(a) the Commissioner shall complete his review and make his decision under paragraph (4)—


(i) within twenty-eight days from the date of service on him of the notice of appeal under Article 51; or

(ii) within such further period or periods (none of which shall exceed twenty-eight days) as he specifies in a notice, stating the reason for the delay, served by him on the appellant before the expiration of the immediately preceding period; and



(b) the Commissioner shall for the purposes of paragraph (4)(b) have regard to the assumptions mentioned in paragraphs 9 to 12(1) and 13 to 15 of Part I of Schedule 12.



    (4B) Where the date referred to in paragraph (4A)(a)(i) falls before the first anniversary of the coming into force of the capital value list in question, that paragraph shall have effect as if the reference in sub-paragraph (a)(i) to twenty-eight days were a reference to six months.".

    (6) In paragraph (5) for "the valuation list" substitute "any valuation list".

    (7) In paragraph (6)(b) omit "in the valuation list".

    34.In Article 53 (power of Commissioner to transfer appeal to Lands Tribunal), in paragraph (2)(a), for "(2)" substitute "(3)".

    35.—(1) Amend Article 55 (review of revision of valuation list made while appeal pending) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1), for "to the Lands Tribunal" substitute "under Article 54 or 54A".

    (3) In paragraph (4), for "54" substitute "54A".

    36.—(1) Amend Article 56 (supplementary provisions as to alterations, etc.) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (6)—

(a) for "the valuation list or in" substitute "a valuation list (including";

(b) for "force" substitute "force)".

    (3) In paragraph (7)—

(a) for "the valuation list" substitute "a valuation list";

(b) for "on an appeal made or transferred to the Tribunal under this Part" substitute "or the Valuation Tribunal under this Order";

(c) for "the Tribunal" substitute "that Tribunal".

    (4) In paragraph (8)—

(a) for "alterations in the valuation list" substitute "alteration";

(b) at the end of sub-paragraph (d), omit "and";

(c) after sub-paragraph (e) add

" and
(f) a water undertaker or sewerage undertaker if it so requests.".

    37.—(1) Amend Article 60 (offences) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1), for "59(1) or (2)" substitute "59".

    (3) In paragraph (3)—

(a) after "any person" insert "for the purpose of any application under this Order or";

(b) for "or 26, or in a return made under Article 59(1) or (2)" substitute ", 26 or 59";

(c) omit "to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or" and ", or to both".

    38.—(1) Amend Article 61 (regulations) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)(b), for "or 51(1), (2) or (4)" substitute "51(1), (1A), (2) or (4), or 52(4A) or (4B)".

    (3) Omit paragraph (1A).

    (4) For paragraph (2) substitute the following paragraphs—

    " (2) Regulations shall not be made under Article 18(2) or 29A or paragraph 8 of Schedule 5 unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.

    (2A) Regulations made under Article 23A or paragraph (1)(b) shall be subject to affirmative resolution.

    (2B) Regulations made under provisions of this Order other than those to which paragraphs (2) and (2A) apply shall be subject to negative resolution.".

    39.—(1) Amend Article 62 (service of documents) as follows.

    (2) In paragraph (1)(b)—

(a) omit "by the district valuer" in both places where it occurs;

(b) for "the valuation list" in both places where it occurs substitute "a valuation list".

    (3) In paragraph (2)—

(a) omit "of the Environment";

(b) in sub-paragraph (a), for "that" substitute "the".

    40.In Schedule 2 (definitions relating to industrial hereditaments), in paragraph 1, in the definition of "industrial hereditament" for "for which the net annual value is apportioned under Article 44(2) as being" substitute "which is".

    41.—(1) Amend Schedule 5 (definition of "dwelling-house", etc.) as follows.

    (2) For paragraph 1 substitute the following paragraph—

    " 1.In this Order—


"dwelling-house" means, subject to paragraphs 2 to 5, a hereditament used wholly for the purposes of a private dwelling;
"private garage" has the meaning given by paragraph 6;
"private storage premises" has the meaning given by paragraph 7.".

    (3) In paragraph 2, after sub-paragraph (4), add the following sub-paragraph—

    " (5) The following shall be deemed not to be used for the purposes of a private dwelling—


(a) so much of an area of a caravan site which is valued as a single hereditament under sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2 of Part XIII of Schedule 12 as is not in the occupation of the site operator;

(b) a caravan pitch which is a separate hereditament in the circumstances mentioned in that sub-paragraph but in relation to which the district valuer has not exercised the power conferred by that sub-paragraph.".

    (4) In paragraph 3(a) and (b), after "garden," insert "park, pleasure ground,".

    (5) In paragraph 4(2), for "the hereditament, to the extent of so much of its net annual value as is apportioned to that part," substitute "that part".

    (6) After paragraph 4 insert the following paragraph—

    " 4ZA.—(1) A hereditament or part of a hereditament shall be deemed not to be used for the purposes of a private dwelling if it is—


(a) held by the Secretary of State for the purposes of armed forces accommodation; and

(b) situated within the perimeter of a military establishment.



    (2) In this paragraph "military establishment" means an establishment used by any of Her Majesty's forces.".

    (7) Omit paragraph 4A.

    (8) In paragraph 5—

(a) for "this Schedule" substitute "paragraphs 1 to 4ZA";

(b) omit sub-paragraph (d).

    (9) After paragraph 5 add the following paragraphs—

    " 6.—(1) In this Order "private garage" means, subject to sub-paragraph (2), a hereditament which is used wholly or mainly for the accommodation of a motor vehicle.

    (2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) a hereditament which is used—


(a) for the purposes of a trade or business; or

(b) by a charity, a public body or any other body that is not established or conducted for profit,



is not a private garage.

    (3) In sub-paragraph (2)—



"charity" means a body established for charitable purposes only;
"public body" means—
(a) a body established by or under a statutory provision; or

(b) a department of the Government of the United Kingdom.



    7.—(1) In this Order "private storage premises" means a hereditament which is used wholly in connection with a dwelling-house or dwelling-houses and so used wholly or mainly for the storage of domestic articles belonging to the residents.

    (2) In sub-paragraph (1)—



"domestic articles" means—
(a) household stores and other articles for domestic use;

(b) light vehicles, whether mechanically-propelled or not;


"residents" means persons residing in the dwelling-house or dwelling-houses referred to in sub-paragraph (1).

    8.The Department may by regulations modify paragraphs 1 to 7.".

    42.—(1) Amend Schedule 6 (definitions of "material change of circumstances" and "the time of valuation") as follows.

    (2) Omit paragraph 2.

    (3) In the heading to the Schedule—

(a) for "DEFINITIONS" substitute "DEFINITION";

(b) omit "AND "THE TIME OF VALUATION"".

    43.—(1) Amend Schedule 7 (rateable value of hereditaments) as follows.

    (2) For paragraph 2 (hereditaments wholly exempt from rates) substitute the following paragraph—

   &nb