AQW 6743/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 16/02/2024
Answered On Date: 26/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance what consideration has been given to the introduction of hospitality rates relief.

Answer:

I have met with hospitality sector representatives, along with representatives of other sectors and look forward to continuing this work.

65% of the hospitality sector is in receipt of support through my Department’s Small Business Rate Relief scheme which provides businesses with a reduction of between 20% to 50% on their rates.

I will be looking at strategic options for the business rates system in the coming weeks and months. It will be for the Executive to make decisions on any potential specific interventions in line with its overall fiscal capacity and policy priorities.