Why did DUP, SDLP and Sinn Fein not respond to rates consultation?

12.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Sep 2007

Alliance Party Vice-Chair Cllr Michael Long

Alliance Party Vice-Chair Cllr Michael Long has expressed shock that only Alliance and the Ulster Unionists responded to the consultation on rates reform. He stated that the fact that the DUP, SDLP and Sinn Fein did not reply shows their lack of concern for local people affected, and their lack of ideas on the issue.

Castlereagh Councillor, Michael Long, stated: "It beggars belief that the SDLP, DUP and Sinn Fein did not respond to the important rates reform consultation.

"These parties have displayed a real contempt for those affected by proposed rates hikes. It also illustrates how bereft of ideas these parties are.

"They all weighed in on the issue when it suited them before the election, but their failure to respond to the consultation tells everyone the real story about them.

"I am sure that local people will be appalled that many of the parties that they voted for did not even make any effort to make an input on the rates issue. People have the right to feel very let down by the SDLP, DUP and Sinn Fein. East Belfast has highest proportion of older people out of all the constituencies in Northern Ireland. They are the people who will be hardest hit by rates hikes and they deserve better.

"These parties have teams of researchers and advisors - you would think they would have at least been able to come up with something to say in the consultation.

"Only Alliance and the Ulster Unionists can comment with any credibility on the rates issue following this revelation."

ENDS