AQW 3979/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 01/05/2020
Answered On Date: 14/05/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to extend the COVID-19 Business Support Grant Scheme to be on a one grant per premises as opposed to one per business model.

Answer:

My Department acknowledges that many businesses operate out of multiple premises but will only be eligible for one grant under either the Small Business Support Grant, or the £25,000 Business Support Grant for the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors.

There is limited funding available for the schemes and the Executive has taken the decision, at this stage, to limit eligible businesses with multiple premises to one grant so that support could be offered to all potentially eligible businesses.

As you will appreciate, this is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, will keep existing means of support under review, as well as working to identify other support to local businesses during this difficult time.

My Department recognises the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis on businesses. There is a range of further support available including the three months business rates holiday for all Northern Ireland businesses and UK-wide level support including the Coronavirus Business interruption Schemes, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Information on further support can be found at NI Business Info: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus