AQW 12499/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 12/01/2021
Answered On Date: 22/01/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail plans for the High Street and Tourism Vouchers schemes, including (i) when the schemes will be launched; and (ii) how she will ensure that the expenditure for such schemes will be made in this financial year.

Answer:

Unfortunately, due to the recent rise in the number of cases of Coronavirus, and the subsequent restrictions which have been deemed necessary by the Executive, it has been decided that it would not be appropriate to implement the High Street Stimulus Scheme and the Holiday at Home Scheme in the current financial year, ending 31 March 2021, given that much of retail and hospitality remains closed and the public health messaging is to remain at home.

Therefore, any implementation in the immediate future would be contrary to the current Coronavirus Health Regulations and the latest information and advice from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser.

The Department for the Economy remains supportive of the policy intervention and intends to put forward a bid to the Executive for these schemes in 2021/22.