AQW 28719/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 26/01/2022
Answered On Date: 24/02/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department is considering any further financial support for freelance workers in creative industries who have been impacted by the restrictions on the hospitality industry as a result of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Answer:

In September, I acted on the recommendation of the Culture Arts and Heritage Recovery Taskforce and launched the Creative Individuals Recovery Programme. This provided awards of up to £2,000 to help creative freelance and self-employed individuals reactivate, or enhance their trade, vocation or profession within the creative economy.

I am pleased to say that 1433 people received just under £3 million.