AQW 16421/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 16/03/2021
Answered On Date: 29/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 15385 17-22, to outline the practical steps she has taken to reduce frictions, and their outcomes to date.

Answer:

Customs remains a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the UK Government to reduce frictions arising from customs controls.

I continue to engage with local businesses to identify issues and press the UK Government for solutions. The reintroduction of the VAT Margin scheme and the resolution of the issue on tariffs for steel imports are examples where my interventions created a positive outcome for our businesses.

I will continue to engage with the UK Government and our businesses to seek resolutions to ongoing and emerging issues regarding the movement of goods from GB to NI. Furthermore, my Department will continue to provide guidance and support to businesses navigating the new trading environment.