Lo says that next Executive must scrap rates hikes

2.53.10pm GMT Fri 5th Jan 2007

South Belfast Alliance Representative Anna Lo

South Belfast Alliance Assembly Candidate Anna Lo has stated that one of the key priorities of the next Executive must be to scrap rates hikes and create a fair system. She said that the four sectarian parties in the last Executive set the ball rolling on rates hikes.

Anna Lo said: "The four sectarian parties in the last Executive started the process which created these rates rises.

"The next Executive must make scrapping rates hikes a key priority. Local people have been let down badly by the four sectarian parties and we must ensure that everyone in Northern Ireland gets a fair deal.

"These rates hikes are especially unfair on older people and those on low incomes. Some people may even be forced to sell their house because they cannot afford to pay these massive bills.

"The government's attempt to end the rates crisis has been feeble. A cap on rates is simply not good enough, therefore the next Executive must give rates rises the boot and ensure that a fair system is put in place."

ENDS