A comprehensive review is to be undertaken of the rating system of Northern Ireland, the finance minister confirmed today.
The DUP's Peter Robinson said he would be bringing proposals forward to the cabinet within weeks for an overhaul of rates bills.
He was speaking during a debate at Stormont about a proposal from Green Party MLA Brian Wilson for an income tax replacing property rates.
Assembly members agreed by 63 votes to seven to call for a rethink and consideration of non-means tested rates relief for pensioners after an amendment by Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim.
"A complete overhaul of the system is within the power and reach of this Assembly," Mr Robinson said. "We have an obligation to ensure that a fairer system is in place for the coming year."
Last month, bills rose by 19 per cent but Mr Robinson said the benefit to the public purse didn't match the pain caused to those who pay.
Mr Robinson said he had not ruled out a new tax but pointed out that it would require an increase in the basic rate of income tax and would be open to fraud and waste.