AQW 6162/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/09/2020
Answered On Date: 09/09/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether he has any plans to extend non-domestic rates relief to businesses operating within the events sector, given their operations remain limited due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the UK Government and the Executive as a response to COVID-19.

Answer:

A 12 month holiday from rates has been granted to business uses within the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors as they were considered to be in greatest need. This includes premises used as concert halls, music halls, public exhibition centres, theatres, sporting premises, recreation grounds and hotels, where in normal times events would take place. I acknowledge that many businesses are facing difficult times, and that is why all businesses were given 4 months rates relief. I have no plans to widen the 12 months relief to include other businesses.

Businesses which do not qualify for the 12 months rate relief may consider the Hardship Rate Relief scheme, which provides support for businesses and organisations that are in crisis because of an exceptional circumstance and supports by alleviating the business from payment of business rates for a period of time. In order to qualify for this relief, businesses are required to provide Land & Property Services with evidence of a significant loss of trade caused by the exceptional circumstance. Further information on this scheme can be found at the following link:

https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/hardship-rate-relief.