Overview

This bill sets the regional rate for Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2020 and amends the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme Regulations 2012. It introduces voluntary buy-out arrangements for participants in the RHI scheme and alters tariffs for small and medium biomass installations.

Description

Regional Rates

The bill sets the regional rate at 34.01 pence in the pound for rateable net annual values and 0.4574 pence in the pound for rateable capital values of hereditaments. This rate can be varied by order of the Department, but only after all ministerial offices are filled following the bill's passage.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme Amendments

The bill amends the RHI scheme regulations. Specifically, it modifies tariffs for periodic support payments for small and medium biomass installations. A new schedule (Schedule 5) sets out these tariffs, with future adjustments based on the Consumer Prices Index. The bill also introduces voluntary buy-out arrangements, allowing participants to receive a payment in exchange for ending their participation in the scheme. These buy-out arrangements are only available during periods when the Northern Ireland Executive is not functioning. The Department is required to report annually on the operation of these buy-out arrangements.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, the introduction of voluntary buy-out arrangements within the RHI scheme will likely lead to increased government expenditure, the exact amount dependent on participant uptake. The altered tariffs for RHI scheme may also affect government spending but in which way is not specified.

Groups Affected

• Ratepayers in Northern Ireland: Affected by the set regional rate and any subsequent variations.
• Participants in the RHI scheme (especially those with small and medium biomass installations): Affected by changes to tariffs and the availability of voluntary buy-out arrangements.
• Northern Ireland Executive: Its formation or absence affects the operation of the voluntary buy-out scheme and the authority to vary the regional rate.
• The UK Parliament and Secretary of State: Receive reports on the operation of the buy-out arrangements during periods when there is no functioning Northern Ireland Executive.

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