To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will provide financial support to essential businesses, including those above £51,000 NAV, negatively impacted by very low footfall in city centre locations, as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Executive and the UK Government have introduced a wide range of

business support schemes to help ease the extraordinary burden that has been

placed on entire communities and our local economy, due to the ongoing global

pandemic.

To date, my Department has provided over £350 million of support to over

30,000 businesses and individuals, and is currently delivering millions of

pounds to thousands more through the recent schemes that have been developed

and implemented. The combination of these schemes have provided support to

all sectors and occupations throughout Northern Ireland.

I am on record as stating that whilst the ‘stay at home message’ has been

absolutely necessary, it has had a damaging impact on our town and city centres

and our local high streets. Beyond the current restriction period, I believe that

the best way to support these businesses is to negate the cycle of severe

restrictions which will inevitably cost jobs and livelihoods.

With the roll-out of a vaccination programme, there is cause for optimism as we

look towards a return to some form of social and economic normality, and

government support can then be targeted at helping businesses to be able to

operate safely, with as little interruption as possible.

Whilst the Executive and my own Department continue to receive calls for

specific targeted support, it is simply not possible to design and fund schemes

for every type of business or employment across our society.