Assembly report:The North's Minister for Finance and Personnel Peter Robinson has promised Assembly members he will carry out a comprehensive review of domestic rates in Northern Ireland to establish if a fairer system can be implemented.
Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey also said in the chamber yesterday that he wanted to abolish prescription charges.
Green Assembly member Brian Wilson, backed by Alliance's Stephen Farry, called for a review of the rates system, contending that the current system based on property values was "inherently unfair as it totally disregards ability to pay".
Mr Wilson, from North Down, said he knew of constituents whose rates rose by more than £1,000 per year. He called for a system based on income rather than house values. Mr Robinson made it clear that he would push for further rates reform in the Northern Executive.
Yesterday's Assembly also called for improvements to child care and child and adolescent mental health services.
