AQO 4049/22-27

Mr Danny Donnelly
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 24/09/2026
Answered On Date: 05/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline any measures her Department is taking to tackle the cost of doing business crisis.

Answer:

Tackling the cost-of-living crisis remains a priority for me and my Department, and it is important that people can benefit fully from the support available.

In my previous role as Finance Minister, I commissioned research by Ulster University on the cost of doing business in the North. It highlighted the significant pressures facing businesses, which have been exacerbated by British Government decisions, including the increase in employers’ National Insurance Contributions from April 2025. These pressures, alongside wider increases in household costs, continue to impact families and businesses across the North.

In terms of direct support being provided by my Department, the Household Electricity Discount Scheme will see households receiving £63 of electricity bill support this year. The discount will be automatically applied through electricity suppliers from 6 October, ensuring support is provided directly to domestic consumers without the need for an application.

I have also called on the British Government to take urgent action on rising fuel costs, including reducing fuel duty and VAT on road fuels to provide direct support to households and businesses.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, I will continue to advocate for households and businesses across the North by pressing the British Government to bring forward a comprehensive package of measures to help with electricity, heating and transport costs.