Commentary on Sections Section 12: Power to alter existing agreements under Article 21 of the principal Order
This section amends Article 22 of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977. Subsection (2) provides that where the Department of Finance and Personnel makes an order altering the maximum level of allowance which may be allowed to a landlord under an agreement under Article 21 of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, it may by order alter an allowance in an existing agreement. Provision is also made which enables the Department of Finance and Personnel, by order, to alter an allowance in relation to hereditaments of specified classes. The latter power will be available whether or not a change in the maximum level of allowance under Article 21 is being made. It is likely that this will be applied in respect of NIHE properties and also the domestic private rented sector (following the introduction of the rating of empty homes). Subsection (3) provides for such orders to be subject to affirmative resolution of the Assembly.