SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has called on the Executive to urgently step up its support for local businesses, warning that continued inaction is putting jobs, livelihoods, and high streets at risk.
She was speaking after the Assembly passed an SDLP Opposition motion calling for the recall of the High Street Taskforce and the establishment of a Cost of Doing Business Advisory Forum by 1 September 2025.
Ms McLaughlin said:
“We can no longer ignore the serious challenges facing local businesses. From empty shopfronts to the closure of much-loved restaurants and independent retailers, the impact of soaring costs is being felt in every community across Northern Ireland.
“We are in the midst of a cost of doing business crisis and it demands a serious, coordinated response.”
“Despite the clear evidence set out in Ulster University’s Cost of Doing Business report, political action has been sorely lacking.
“So far, the only step the Finance Minister has taken is to forward the report to the Treasury. That is not leadership, that is passing the buck.”
“The Executive has the tools to deliver real change.
“The High Street Taskforce and its recommendations are sitting dormant, we have the capacity to invest in energy infrastructure to bring down bills, and we have long called for rates reform to support town centres and reward business investment.
“These powers must be used, not left on the shelf.
“This crisis isn’t about abstract numbers. It’s about people losing jobs, communities losing services, and businesses going to the wall.
“The SDLP will not stand by while our economy is left to suffer. Through this motion, we are challenging the Executive to show the urgency and ambition that this moment demands, and to take real action to protect and revive our local business sector.”
