To ask the Minister of Finance whether small businesses, recently independently rated by Land and Property Services with a Net Annual Value under £15,000 and previously excluded from £10,000 Small Business Support Grants, could be deemed eligible for upcoming £5,000 top-up payment grants.

Businesses which have taken up occupation of an eligible property after the qualifying date for the initial £10,000 Small Business Support Grant will be eligible for Top Up Grant, providing they meet qualifying criteria that was in place for the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant and all other qualifying criteria for the Top Up grant are met including:

On the 8th Valuation List with a Net Annual Value (NAV) not more than £15,000.

In occupation and trading on the 1 March 2021.

In receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or rated as Industrial.

Have not availed of support through any other Executive Covid-19 Support Scheme including Localised Restrictions Support Scheme and Coronavirus Restrictions Business Support Scheme.

Land & Property Services will issue Top Up Grants automatically to qualifying businesses which did receive the initial £10,000 Small Business Support Grants.

Payment of the grant to businesses that have not previously received the £10,000 Small Business Support Grants will not be automatic in such cases and it may be necessary for the business to make an application. The nibusinessinfo website will be updated when details on how to apply are finalised.