AQW 4424/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 01/06/2020
Answered On Date: 26/06/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any financial assistance will be provided to accommodation providers registered for domestic rates and required to close due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Answer:

Although, the Business Support Grant schemes were only available to businesses who paid business rates, the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund had no such criteria. The scheme was open to accommodation providers that employ between one and nine people paid via PAYE. Further information is available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-ni-micro-business-hardship-fund.

This is an evolving situation and my Department, along with Executive colleagues, will continue to explore all potential options to identify further means of offering support to as many local businesses as possible, including accommodation providers, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

I welcome the reopening for certain businesses within the tourism sector, dependent upon scientific and medical advice. This is an important step on the road to recovery and enabling the sector to plan ahead. My Department is working with Tourism NI to bring forward the necessary support and guidance to help tourism and hospitality sector businesses plan for social distancing and hygiene measures and aid further recovery of the sectors.