To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to revise the criteria for support from the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme to assist those required to close under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 but embedded within a larger business that was not required to close.

The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS) was established with the sole purpose of providing financial support to any business specified in the Health Protection Regulations which has been required to restrict or cease trading. Where such a specified business is an occupier, (as defined by paragraph 1 of the Schedule within The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus)(No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020), of part only of larger rateable premises, that business may apply under this Scheme and be liable for the lower rate. I do not intend to revise that criteria. Further details on the Scheme and how to apply are available at:

https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/LocalisedRestrictionsSupport