Over £260 million paid out under Localised Restrictions Support Scheme - Murphy

Over £260 million of financial assistance has been paid to businesses under the Department of Finance’s Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS).

Over £260 million of financial assistance has been paid to businesses under the Department of Finance’s Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS).

Making the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “Throughout this pandemic I have been committed to supporting businesses and protecting jobs and livelihoods.

“Financial assistance from the LRSS coupled with the business rates holiday has been a huge help to businesses as they endure the impact of the pandemic.

“Further payments have begun issuing to eligible businesses to cover the period of restrictions up to 14 April, bringing the amount of support provided through the LRSS to over a quarter of a billion pounds.”

LRSS has been open since 16 October 2020. With the number of new applications to the LRSS each day now very low, the scheme will close to applications at 6pm on Wednesday 7 April. 

Minister Murphy added: “I encourage any business owners who have not yet applied, and believe their business may be eligible for support under LRSS, to check the criteria and submit an application before the deadline.”

The LRSS provides support to businesses which have been required to close or have had business activity at their premises directly curtailed by the Health Protection Regulations. Any business which hasn’t already applied can check their eligibility at www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/LocalisedRestrictionsSupport.

Notes to editors: 

1. Weekly payment amounts are £800, £1,200 or £1600 depending on the size of the business.
2. The average amount paid to each business so far is £17,947.
3. Payment amounts typically range from £12,570 for a small shop closed since 26 December 2020 to £43,887 for a large pub in Derry and Strabane District Council area that has been continuously closed since 5 October 2020.
4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance Press Office at dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk. 
5. Follow us on Twitter @dptfinance
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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