To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider further rates relief to help the hospitality sector following an increase energy and food costs.

In the absence of an Executive I cannot bring forward any new rate reliefs for businesses.

The cost of living crisis and the associated increasing costs to business is a matter of concern for all Executive Departments but without an Executive, no new cross-cutting fiscal policies can be introduced nor can the £435 million of available funding be allocated. This funding may be used to help businesses within the hospitality sector with the cost of living impact.

Therefore, I hope an Executive can be reformed as quickly as possible to enable us to allocate these funds.