AQW 8999/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 19/10/2020
Answered On Date: 05/12/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy what consideration he is giving to a longer term package to assist breweries.

Answer:

The economic impact of COVID-19 is unprecedented. Huge economic impacts that might normally take months or years to unfold occurred within weeks as a result of lockdown and industry shutdowns. I am acutely aware of the difficulties and pressures faced by businesses and individuals across the economy as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent restrictions.

The Executive introduced an unprecedented range of financial support to help businesses impacted by Covid-19 with the objective of protecting jobs, preventing business closures and promoting economic recovery.

The Department for Economy has paid out more than £340million collectively across three grant schemes. Breweries were eligible to apply for both the Small Business Support Grant Scheme and the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund.

Breweries would also have benefitted from the four month rates relief introduced by the Department of Finance, with no rates being payable from 1 April 2020 to 31 July 2020.

As a result of the restrictions that came into effect on 16 October 2020, I have introduced the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme to provide support in two stages:

Part A - businesses named in the health protection regulations and are not eligible for the LRSS.

Part B - Businesses not named in the regulations, but which supplies goods or services to such a business, or is reliant upon such a business being open and fully operational in order to trade.

Breweries may apply for support through Part B provided the eligibility criteria are met. Further details of Part B are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/covid-restrictions-business-support-scheme-part-b.

Businesses can also claim a proportion of salary costs through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The UK Government have announced an extension of the scheme until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. Under the extended scheme, the cost for employers of retaining workers will be reduced compared to October.

I will continue to examine and pursue further means to support the local economy and business sectors in whatever way possible. In considering further interventions, including additional funding or packages of financial support, it will be for the Executive collectively, to determine how this will be allocated to best support economic recovery moving forward.