To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the additional £150 million set aside for further rates relief.

My officials are working closely with the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre and other Executive Departments to identify those business sectors most severely impacted by the economic consequences of the pandemic. This will allow me to determine how this relief can be applied to the best effect to support local businesses.

I fully appreciate that businesses need as much clarity as possible on major costs such as rates in the longer-term and I intend to make a further statement on this in the near future.