AQW 3767/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Finance

To ask the Minister of Finance what measures he plans to take in relation to non-domestic rates, in light of challenges being experienced by businesses due to COVID-19.

Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 16 March 2020

  • Answered
  • Written
  • Priority
Tabled
16 March 2020
Answer due by
23 March 2020
Answered
20 March 20204 days after tabling
Department
Department of Finance
Priority question
Yes

Answer

I have now announced emergency measures to reduce the cost of rates on businesses at this unprecedented time. As part of this package, all businesses will pay zero rates in April, May and June, effectively a reduction of 25% applied to the billable amount after all other reliefs are applied. This will save businesses £100m. I am also deferring the issuing of all rate bills from April until June to help businesses with short-term cash flow and I will deliver a reduction in the Regional Rate for businesses.

Official sources