The Rates (Deferment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

10.—(1) The agreement holder may suspend deferment of the payment of rates for a particular year by notice in writing served on the Department before 31st December in the preceding year.

(2) A notice served under paragraph (1) shall, subject to paragraph (6), continue to have effect for subsequent years unless withdrawn by a further notice in writing served on the Department by the agreement holder before 31st December in the year preceding the first year for which the withdrawal of the suspension is to have effect.

(3) Where an agreement holder ceases to occupy the hereditament as his only or principal residence the Department may, without prejudice to condition 12(1)(h), suspend deferment of the payment of rates by notice in writing served on the agreement holder before the beginning of the first year for which the suspension is to have effect.

(4) A notice served under paragraph (3) shall continue to have effect until withdrawn by a further notice in writing served on the agreement holder by the Department.

(5) During a period of suspension of deferment of the payment of rates, interest shall continue to accrue on the amount outstanding under the agreement in accordance with condition 5.

(6) Where during a period of suspension of deferment of the payment of rates under paragraph (1), the agreement holder fails to pay any rates which are due and payable in respect of the hereditament, the Department may, by notice in writing served on the agreement holder, determine that the suspension shall cease to have effect from the beginning of the year for which the rates are due and payable and accordingly, any rates which are paid in respect of the hereditament for that year shall be treated as a payment under the agreement.

(7) Paragraph (3) shall not apply in the case of an agreement holder whose only or principal residence is in a hospital, nursing home or residential care home.