PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: URGES PENSIONERS TO APPLY FOR RATES ALLOWANCE
 

SDLP MLA for South Antrim, Thomas Burns, has urged all constituents to ensure that all those eligible apply for the Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA) which entitles those aged over 70 who live on their own, or who live with a carer, to a 20% discount on their rates bill. 

Mr Burns said, “One of the outcomes of the review of rating reform was the introduction this year of the Lone Pensioner Allowance scheme.  The LPA scheme is designed to provide a 20% allowance of the rates bill for persons aged 70 or over who live alone.  If someone else lives with them as a carer they may still be entitled to the allowance.

“Importantly the LPA is not means-tested and does not depend on the level of income or savings.

“Relatives and neighbours of pensioners living on their own can also help by ensuring those who they believe may be eligible have applied for the allowance.”

“This allowance is an entitlement to which all eligible persons should make use of to alleviate the financial impact of the new increased rates bills on the older members of our society.”

ENDS