Towns and High Streets: Business Incentives

Oral Answers to Questions — Finance – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 2:30 pm ar 7 Mai 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Emma Sheerin Emma Sheerin Sinn Féin 2:30, 7 Mai 2024

T8. Ms Sheerin asked the Minister of Finance to outline what her Department is doing to bring local businesses back to our towns and high streets. (AQT 258/22-27)

Photo of Caoimhe Archibald Caoimhe Archibald Sinn Féin

Given the positive impact of the back in business scheme, I am glad to advise that legislation to restore it was made by my Department at the end of March. That has been cleared by the Finance Committee, and the Assembly will debate it, I believe, next week. I hope that the Chamber will support the reinstatement of that scheme. When the back in business scheme was last in place during 2022-23, 101 businesses benefited from the 50% rate reduction, and the majority of those were small independent retailers. It helped businesses to get started, supported jobs and got long-term vacant units back into use.

Reinstating that popular scheme is now more important than ever in order to help new businesses emerge.

Photo of Steve Aiken Steve Aiken UUP

On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Ms Bradshaw made a complaint for referral to the Speaker. I feel that some of my remarks may have been misconstrued. Ms Bradshaw, I therefore apologise.

Photo of Steve Aiken Steve Aiken UUP

Thank you very much.

Photo of Carál Ní Chuilín Carál Ní Chuilín Sinn Féin

Sweet.

[Laughter.]

OK. I ask Members to take their ease before the next item of business.

(Mr Speaker in the Chair)