Economy minister must address gaps in business grants support – Mullan

SINN Féin’s Karen Mullan has called on the Economy Minister Diane Doods to address gaps in the current business grants supports.

Said the Foyle MLA: “We have been contacted by numerous business owners in the Derry area who are frustrated that the current business grants enable them to claim for only one premises.

“The Economy Committee this week heard from representatives of the retail sector as well as Enterprise NI on the limitations of the business support to only one premises.

“The Economy Minister must look at how support can be extended to include businesses with more than one premises so they can meet their ongoing financial commitments and pressures.

“There are other gaps in the support that need to be addressed, including for childcare providers that are not currently able to access the £25,000 grant scheme.

“This is a vital sector that must be sustained to ensure that when businesses reopen workers with children can return to work.

“The Executive has provided support to businesses via grants and rates relief and this has been welcome.

“However, more support will be needed to help businesses survive and recover once the health crisis has ended,” she added.

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