AQW 12205/17-22 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will make a new bid to the Executive for funds to expand the Newly Self Employed Support Scheme, to ensure those who do not meet the 50 per cent earnings rule of the Newly Self Employed Support or the Self Employed Income Support Scheme due to becoming self-employed later in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 tax years can access support.
Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 17 December 2020
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 17 December 2020
- Answer due by
- 6 January 2021
- Answered
- 25 January 202139 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
On 7 January 2021, I announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria to the Newly Self Employed Support Scheme to remove the need for over 50% of income to come from self-employment, and allow those who became self-employed later to qualify. The closing date for new applications would also be extended to 5 February 2021.
It has been determined by my officials that this expansion of the scheme could be implemented within the original funding envelope of £10m allocated by the Executive.