AQW 8178/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 05/10/2020
Answered On Date: 28/10/2020
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any preparations have been made for provision of support to businesses in the event of a short-term circuit breaker lockdown.

Answer:

On 14th October, the Executive announced a four week period of increased restrictions throughout Northern Ireland in an attempt to curb the very worrying spread of Covid-19.

This decision was not taken lightly and was deemed necessary, primarily in response to the latest advice and evidence presented to the Executive by medical and scientific experts, as well as lead officials across a number of relevant policy and operational business areas.

In parallel with this decision on further restrictions, the Finance Minister announced a new support scheme for those businesses that were instructed to close as a consequence. The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) will run for the four weeks of enforced restrictions, at an estimated cost of £35million. This scheme opened to new applications from Monday 19th October.

Further to this, on Thursday 22nd October, I announced an additional support package to help businesses affected by the recent restrictions announced by the Executive.

The Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS) will support businesses which meet the following criteria:

 The business is restricted within the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but is not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS); or

 The business is within the supply chain of businesses restricted by the Regulations and as a result has been significantly impacted; and

 The business is operating in Northern Ireland and was trading immediately prior to 16 October 2020; and

 The business is not included in the scope of funding already allocated to Executive Departments to respond to Covid restrictions.

The new CRBSS, which also applies for the same four week period, will open for applications as soon as possible. My officials are working with colleagues in InvestNI, who will administer the scheme on our behalf.

In addition, I have asked my officials to develop a tourism and hospitality scheme to address issues associated with current restrictions and a scheme to support those recently self-employed

All Executive Ministers have been asked to bring forward options to determine what support options may be considered for those who may not qualify for these latest schemes, or who may not have been able to avail of previous opportunities.