Robinson reveals his first Stormont budget

Stormont minister Peter Robinson will today reveal his first budget and plans for a review to make domestic rates fairer.

The finance chief will outline what resources are available to departments during a keynote speech in the Assembly this morning.

East Belfast DUP MLA Mr Robinson is expected to announce a 12-week consultation period on a rating review. He argued long before taking office the domestic rates system in the North needs to be made fairer.

During an Assembly debate last month, he told legislators the executive would face a number of tough revenue choices linked to the decision on the future funding of water and sewerage services.

Sinn Féin’s Regional Development minister Conor Murphy will make a statement about the terms of reference for the water inquiry today.

Mr Robinson has also criticised Stormont colleagues for making promises of extra funding.

He was scathing of Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey’s promise of free personal care for the elderly and has warned that the rates could be inflated by up to 30%.

His reappraisal is expected to look at ways the executive can encourage vulnerable people in society such as pensioners on low incomes to take up rates relief packages.

It may address options like rating vacant homes, a deferment scheme for pensioners, limits on the amount of income paid on rates in households and the creation of a local income tax.

This year is the first time rates bills are calculated based on capital value instead of rental potential.

Many homeowners have challenged their new rateable value but are paying the full tariff while they wait for the result of an investigation into their case.

The Assembly will also consider a Taxi Bill modernising the law for drivers.

Among the changes will be powers for DoE enforcement officers to stop those they suspect are taxiing illegally.

Agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Féin; and Culture head Edwin Poots, DUP, will face oral Assembly questions for the first time.