Northern Ireland's Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, is proposing to increase the rates levied on large retail developments, including out-of-town shopping centres. The benefits are to be passed on to small businesses in the form of rates reductions.
The minister gave details of his plans to members of the Northern Ireland Assembly this morning. It is understood Sammy Wilson has an annual rebalancing figure of £10m in mind and that he wants to introduce the changes next year.
He made the announcement during the Stormont debate on the draft budget. Assembly members will have the chance to vote on it next week. The budget proposals are expected to be carried with the support of the DUP, Sinn Fein and the Alliance parties, while Ulster Unionist and SDLP representatives are likely to oppose them.
The dissolution of the Assembly is due to take place on March 25 with elections scheduled for May 5.
