AQW 49401/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/10/2015
Answered On Date: 19/10/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the business rates reliefs and exemptions available for the rural and equine sectors.

Answer:

There is a broad range of support for business rates in Northern Ireland that will apply to business in the rural and equine sectors provided they meet the qualifying criteria. These reliefs and exemptions are:-

Small Business Rate Relief, Small Business Rate Relief for Small Post Offices, Empty Shops Rates Concession, Charitable Exemption, Sports and Recreation Rate Relief, Residential Homes Rate Relief, Industrial Derating, Empty Premises Relief, Hardship Relief, and District Rates Convergence.

There is no provision provided exclusively to the rural and equine sectors except for the rates exemption for ATMs in rural areas. That scheme is legislated for up until 31 March 2016.