AQW 3767/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 16/03/2020
Answered On Date: 20/03/2020
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance what measures he plans to take in relation to non-domestic rates, in light of challenges being experienced by businesses due to COVID-19.

Answer:

I have now announced emergency measures to reduce the cost of rates on businesses at this unprecedented time. As part of this package, all businesses will pay zero rates in April, May and June, effectively a reduction of 25% applied to the billable amount after all other reliefs are applied. This will save businesses £100m. I am also deferring the issuing of all rate bills from April until June to help businesses with short-term cash flow and I will deliver a reduction in the Regional Rate for businesses.