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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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