Land and Property Services facts for kids
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| Executive Agency overview | |
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| Jurisdiction | Northern Ireland |
| Headquarters | Lanyon Plaza, 7 Lanyon Place, BT1 3LP (Belfast) |
| Parent department | Department of Finance (DoF) |
The Land and Property Services (LPS, Irish: Seirbhísí Talún & Maoine) is an important government agency in Northern Ireland. It helps manage information about land and property for everyone. LPS is part of the Department of Finance, which is a branch of the Northern Ireland Executive. The Northern Ireland Executive is like the government for Northern Ireland. LPS was created in 2008.
Contents
What the Land and Property Services Does
The Land and Property Services has several key jobs that help Northern Ireland run smoothly. They deal with property values, local taxes, and mapping.
Valuing Properties
One of LPS's main tasks is to figure out how much properties are worth. This is called valuation. They value homes, businesses, and other buildings. This valuation helps decide how much tax people need to pay on their property.
Collecting Rates
LPS is also in charge of collecting local taxes, which are called rates. These rates are paid by property owners. The money collected from rates is very important. It helps pay for many public services that we all use. This includes things like schools, hospitals, roads, and local services such as rubbish collection.
Mapping Northern Ireland
A special part of LPS is the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI). The OSNI is responsible for creating and updating detailed maps of all of Northern Ireland. These maps are used for many purposes. They help with planning new buildings and roads. They also help emergency services find places quickly. Hikers and outdoor adventurers also use these maps to explore the countryside.
Keeping Property Records
LPS also keeps official records of land and property ownership. This helps make sure that buying and selling property is clear and fair. It also helps prevent disputes over who owns what land.
Why LPS is Important
The work of the Land and Property Services is vital for Northern Ireland. By accurately valuing properties and collecting rates, they help fund essential public services. Their mapping work provides important information for planning and safety. Overall, LPS helps manage the land and property system for the benefit of all citizens.
