SDLP Foyle MLA and Economy spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin
Said the Foyle MLA: “I am very concerned that most applications made under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme in Derry and Strabane were rejected.
“I have asked the minister for additional information on the reasons for rejection.
“One local photographer was told he was not entitled to financial support as he was not required to cease trading during the period of restrictions.
“Yet it is difficult to understand how a photographer can undertake his work without being in close contact with clients.
“Nor would society want him to trade in a period of restrictions.
“A large number of businesses are on the edge of collapse and financial help from the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme and other rescue schemes can be the difference between struggling on and collapsing.
“If officials are making hardline and unreasonable judgements on which businesses qualify for support then this is simply unacceptable.
“I am calling on the economy minister to extend the deadline for applications under the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme for those businesses that have had applications under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme rejected by the Department of Finance.
“I would also like the Department of Finance to operate a speedy appeals process for rejected applicants.”
