AQW 15934/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 05/03/2021
Answered On Date: 12/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance to detail his proposals for non-domestic rates relief for 2021/22 in context of COVID-19.

Answer:

The member will be aware that on Thursday 11 March I announced that I am providing a comprehensive business rates scheme for 2021-22 to ensure that some 29,000 businesses here will have a further rates free period. This £230 million package will provide continued support for businesses dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses in the following sectors will pay no rates in 2021-22 for the second year running: Airports (Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry); Childcare; Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure; Manufacturing; Newspaper production; and all Retail premises (excluding larger food stores and off-licences).

You will also be aware that the Executive has agreed to freeze the Regional Rate in 2021/22 for businesses at the substantially reduced level I set last year.