Menu
18/07/2012
Small Business Rates Relief Must Go Further - Durkan
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said that Finance Minister Sammy Wilson’s review of the Small Business Rates Relief scheme must result in a new, improved rating process for businesses.
Mr Durkan said: "I very much welcome Mr Wilson's announcement that he intends to review the Small Business Rates Relief scheme. While many businesses have benefitted from the current scheme, I firmly believe that they could and should benefit more and that many other businesses that are not eligible for this scheme need concessions too.
"The past few years have been extremely difficult for businesses and many have been forced to close, with the net effect of increased unemployment, ‘ghost’ town centres, and an ever reducing rates base.
"I support Mr Wilson and his desire to review the rating of business premises, but believe that this could be done and actioned a lot sooner than his stated target of 2015.
"Many of our local, indigenous businesses are struggling greatly and I believe that the Minister and Executive must act quickly and decisively to assist them. For some, a review by 2015 will be too little, too late as they will not survive until then."
(CD)
Mr Durkan said: "I very much welcome Mr Wilson's announcement that he intends to review the Small Business Rates Relief scheme. While many businesses have benefitted from the current scheme, I firmly believe that they could and should benefit more and that many other businesses that are not eligible for this scheme need concessions too.
"The past few years have been extremely difficult for businesses and many have been forced to close, with the net effect of increased unemployment, ‘ghost’ town centres, and an ever reducing rates base.
"I support Mr Wilson and his desire to review the rating of business premises, but believe that this could be done and actioned a lot sooner than his stated target of 2015.
"Many of our local, indigenous businesses are struggling greatly and I believe that the Minister and Executive must act quickly and decisively to assist them. For some, a review by 2015 will be too little, too late as they will not survive until then."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 October 2011
Hamilton Reiterates Support For Small Businesses
Strangford DUP MLA Simon Hamilton has told an audience of business people in Lisburn that the Stormont Assembly must maintain its support for Northern Ireland's small business sector during these difficult times.
Hamilton Reiterates Support For Small Businesses
Strangford DUP MLA Simon Hamilton has told an audience of business people in Lisburn that the Stormont Assembly must maintain its support for Northern Ireland's small business sector during these difficult times.
06 November 2015
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
28 June 2016
New Competition Launched To 'Maximise Business Rates Revenue'
A new competition has been launched to maximise business rates revenue in Belfast.
New Competition Launched To 'Maximise Business Rates Revenue'
A new competition has been launched to maximise business rates revenue in Belfast.
24 March 2016
Views Sought On Small Business Rate Relief Scheme
Views are being sought on alternatives to the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme as part of an evaluation being carried out by the Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC).
Views Sought On Small Business Rate Relief Scheme
Views are being sought on alternatives to the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme as part of an evaluation being carried out by the Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC).
07 December 2017
NI Business Owner Visits 10 Downing Street
A business owner from Northern Ireland has just returned from her visit to 10 Downing Street as part of this year's Small Business Saturday Top 100.
NI Business Owner Visits 10 Downing Street
A business owner from Northern Ireland has just returned from her visit to 10 Downing Street as part of this year's Small Business Saturday Top 100.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
