To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the presence of (a) a wind turbine and (b) solar panels on a domestic property will affect the assessment of its capital value by the Valuation and Lands Agency for rates valuation purposes. (114337)

In Northern Ireland the presence of (a) a wind turbine and (b) solar panels has not had any effect on the assessed capital value of domestic properties for rating purposes in the recent revaluation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many households in Northern Ireland are on the valuation list for domestic rates. (114338)

There is currently a total of 717,767 domestic properties listed in the valuation list which includes 2,165 caravans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many households in Northern Ireland have a personal financial liability for domestic rates (excluding those on 100 per cent. benefit) under (a) the 2006-07 domestic rates system and (b) the new 2007-08 domestic rates system. (114339)

The Rate Collection Agency (RCA) is currently implementing an IT replacement billing and revenue collection system. Implementation difficulties currently restrict full access to the information necessary to provide the information requested. An estimate (based on the actual figures just prior to going live in October 2006 and the total for 2005-06) is that 589,000 domestic properties have been assessed as liable for the payment of rates during 2006-07. This excludes those properties where the award of housing benefit covers full rate liability. Actual totals will be available at the end of the financial year.

Liability to pay rates for 2007-08 will not be assessed until mid-March 2007. I have asked the Agency’s chief executive to write to you with the detailed information when it becomes available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Valuation and Lands Agency’s Automated Valuation Model uses Computer Mass Assisted Appraisal (a) techniques and (b) technology. (114340)

The Valuation and Lands Agency’s Automated Valuation Model uses Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (a) techniques and (b) technology.