Caoimhe Archibald: Scrap Rates Exemption for Big Student Landlords

More and more private student accommodation is going up in Belfast and one thing’s for sure, landlords are making an absolute killing. One recently built student accommodation at Bradbury Place will cost students up to £17,850 per year - that’s over £1450 per month!

But did you know that student accommodation blocks are exempt from paying rates in NI because of a law introduced in the 1970s? The total value of the exemption from 2023-2024 cost the taxpayer a whopping £2,036,403 - and it is only set to increase as more student accommodation blocks are built.

Minister Archibald needs to stop lining the pockets of Big Landlords and use that money to meet the needs of our public services. We call on the Minister to scrap the rates exemption today!