AQW 38733/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/01/2026
Answered On Date: 03/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any support available for (a) emerging musicians; and (b) grassroots venues; and (ii) whether he will consider (a) targeted funding; (b) rates relief; and (c) a review of licensing frameworks.

Answer:

The Arts Council, as the body responsible for funding the arts, lists funding support available on its website https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/.

(a) Decisions on rates relief provisions are not a matter for my Department.

(b) My Department is responsible for setting the legislative framework for entertainment licensing. Councils are responsible for issuing and regulating entertainment licences for indoor and outdoor venues. My officials are continuing to engage with local government counterparts in relation to the effectiveness of the current licensing framework.