AQW 15934/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Finance

To ask the Minister of Finance to detail his proposals for non-domestic rates relief for 2021/22 in context of COVID-19.

Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 5 March 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
5 March 2021
Answer due by
23 March 2021
Answered
12 March 20217 days after tabling
Department
Department of Finance
Priority question
No

Answer

The member will be aware that on Thursday 11 March I announced that I am providing a comprehensive business rates scheme for 2021-22 to ensure that some 29,000 businesses here will have a further rates free period. This £230 million package will provide continued support for businesses dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses in the following sectors will pay no rates in 2021-22 for the second year running: Airports (Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry); Childcare; Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure; Manufacturing; Newspaper production; and all Retail premises (excluding larger food stores and off-licences).

You will also be aware that the Executive has agreed to freeze the Regional Rate in 2021/22 for businesses at the substantially reduced level I set last year.

Official sources