AQW 27999/17-22 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy what grant support he intends to bring forward to support hotels as a result of downturn in trade due to increases in COVID-19 transmission.
Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 13 January 2022
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 13 January 2022
- Answer due by
- 19 January 2022
- Answered
- 31 January 202218 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
Whilst the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme agreed by the Executive before Christmas was warmly welcomed, there was huge disappointment and frustration that hotels were excluded.
I always maintained that hotels should be included as they faced the same challenges as those businesses which were eligible for support. I wrote to the Finance Minister on two occasions urging him to extend the scheme to the hotel sector.
I am delighted that the Executive has now agreed to extend the scheme thereby providing much needed support to this vital industry.
This payment will be between £10,000 and £20,000 dependent on the rateable value of the property.