AQW 48235/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/06/2026
Answered On Date: 24/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether any assessment has been made of the impact of current rates relief arrangements on the sustainability of Post Office services operating from within retail premises, particularly in rural communities.

Answer:

My Department undertook a review of Small Business Rate Relief during 2025/26 which looked at the relief provided through that mechanism, including the enhanced support already provided to Post Offices under the scheme.

Following the review, and subsequent consultation which sought specific views on the nature of Post Offices support, including the position of retailers with a post office counter, I took the decision to set aside £10million in the draft budget for additional business support with a view to broadening and increasing the number of businesses supported under the scheme. These measures remain subject to completion of the Budget process and, if approved, will apply retrospectively.

That comes in addition to the current £22million of support provided to around 30,000 ratepayers under the SBRR scheme which I extended earlier this year. Within that scheme the most generous support is provided to Post Offices.