Review of Rates on Orange Halls
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The Department of Finance and Personnel has undertaken a
review of rating policy with regard to both domestic and commercial
premises. The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland who has for some
time been campaigning for a change in policy in relation to
Orange Halls took the opportunity to present the following
submission to the review body.
SUBMISSION ON BEHALF OF THE GRAND ORANGE LODGE OF IRELAND
We very much appreciate the opportunity to present our views
on the rating policy as it specifically applies to Orange
Halls.
BACKGROUND - There are approximately 900 Orange Halls
in Northern Ireland. They currently are included, for rating
purposes, in the Non Domestic Sector and are essentially classified
as "commercial". It is accepted that Orange Halls
may obtain limited rates relief under the current system though
this may be considered as "piecemeal" at best.
GENERAL COMMENTS - It is somewhat strange to have
Orange Halls classified in the business or commercial sector
when no business or commercial activity is carried on.
In the Consultation Paper it states that one of the aims
of the Review is to assist the Executive to put in place arrangements
"that a fair share of the tax burden should be borne
by households and businesses". This is a laudable objective
which would attract widespread agreement but it is essential
to correctly take into account those areas like Orange Halls
that are outside these parameters.
Orange Halls are basically Community Halls and as such should
be de-rated.
The importance of Orange Halls to the social well being of
an area cannot be overstated. Orange halls were the first
community halls and leisure centres and continue to fulfil
these roles.
An internal audit of the usage of Orange Halls undertaken
by our organisation shows that they are widely used for a
variety of purposes ranging from activities such as Mother
and Toddler Groups through a wide range of sporting activities
to Historical Societies, Cultural Groups etc.
It is possible to gauge a growing rend in this which clearly
indicates the important role of the Orange Hall in society.
In the year 2000 a social audit was carried out by Research
and Evaluation Services in regard to Orange Halls in County
Down. This identified a 30% increase in terms of community
development compared with the previous year.
Whilst we would contend that meetings of the local Lodges
are relative to the community in terms of their interest in
local affairs etc. it is interesting to note that leaving
these meetings aside, together with meetings of what may be
referred to as the other "Loyal Orders", approximately
75% of the usage of the Halls was by other groups in pursuit
of community activity.
It would be accepted by various agencies and organisations
that whilst this audit was conducted in respect of one geographical
area it would be representative of the situation across Northern
Ireland.
CONCLUSION - The importance of community infra-structure
and the necessity of facilities enabling communities to grow
and develop are widely accepted.
If this recognition is to be meaningful it is essential that
the role of the Orange Halls is fully recognised. In terms
of the Review of the Rating Policy Orange Halls must be classified
as Community Halls and the current classification be amended
to ensure that they are de-rated.
This is the situation in the Republic of Ireland and we believe
that it provides for the reality of the role of the Orange
Hall.
We would be pleased to meet with the Review Committee should
you wish us to enlarge on the issues, or if there are any
points you would wish to discuss.
UPDATE - The Department of Finance and Personnel issued
a Public Consultation Report in December 2002. On page 41
of that report it states that "reform of existing provisions
for .... community halls" will be addressed in a future
policy paper published during 2003.
The Grand Lodge immediately reiterated its willingness to
meet with those preparing this paper to enlarge upon the points
in our original submission or to discuss any general points.
We have subsequently contacted the Democratic Unionist Party
and the Ulster Unionist Party seeking their support. Press
Release 3 February 2003
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