AQW 54293/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/02/2016
Answered On Date: 25/02/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the eligibility criteria for applying to the broadband voucher scheme.

Answer:

There is no further funding for new calls or applications to the Broadband voucher Scheme. This scheme is delivered through Belfast City Council on behalf of all council areas and is to assist with broadband installation costs for businesses. The scheme ran out of money before Christmas leaving some 170 rural business applicants unable to benefit from a voucher for up to £3,000 towards the cost of installation of a broadband service.

The funding of £0.5m I announced on 12th February 2016 will allow the rural businesses that had applied to the scheme but missed out due to lack of funding to receive their vouchers.