AQW 11103/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 27/11/2020
Answered On Date: 04/02/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy what additional COVID-19 business support schemes will be put in place to support businesses through the period of closures from 27 November.

Answer:

In light of the Executive announcement of the necessary further restrictions from 27 November 2020, the Department immediately extended the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme Part A and Part B.

On 30 November 2020, I announced that the Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme would open to applications from 3 December 2020.

Since then, both of these schemes have been extended for further periods and I have introduced the following packages of support in light of the ongoing financial and economic impacts of the pandemic:

- Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme;

- Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme;

- Large Tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme; and

- Bed and Breakfast, Guest House and Guest Accommodation Scheme.

To date, the Department has provided over £370 million of lifeline support to over 30,000 businesses and individuals, and is currently delivering millions of pounds to thousands more.