To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he expects the results of the public consultation on a subsidy scheme for rate payers under the new local government structure to be published; and what plans are in place to increase public awareness of relevant changes for rate payers.

The report on the consultation exercise was published on the DFP website and issued to the Finance Committee earlier this month. I will be publishing the final details of the scheme shortly.

My Department only recently completed its financial modelling. This had to await receipt of information from LPS about the latest revaluation position, as this affects the costing of the scheme. I have received the required advice within the last few days and am currently considering the matter.

On the issue of publicising the scheme, LPS has a communications strategy and plan in place, which will include meeting with key groups and raising awareness of the scheme in the run up to bills issuing next year.