The Department of Finance has paid £113 million to over 10,000 businesses under its Localised Restrictions Support Scheme.
Top up payments began issuing yesterday and will continue today to cover the six week period of restrictions which came into effect on 26 December. Businesses should receive these payment in their bank accounts within seven working days.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy said: “ The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme has rapidly expanded as more and more businesses have been forced to close due to the necessary restrictions to combat the spread of Covid-19. These top-up payments bring the support provided through this Scheme so far to £113 million. Over 10,000 businesses are being supported with vital funding, helping to protect livelihoods and support jobs at this hugely difficult time.
“Land & Property Services within my Department has stepped up and has taken on additional powers to become a grant paying body in addition to its usual roles, facilitating the payment of this much needed support to businesses. This hasn’t been without its challenges. I know for some businesses there has been an anxious wait but this scheme has been designed and delivered very rapidly to match the restrictions on business that the Executive has had to bring in as part of the Health Protection Regulations in order to protect lives.”
Minister Murphy continued: “I want to reassure businesses that I am committed to providing support for as long as they are restricted. I’d encourage any business which thinks it may be eligible to visit the nibusinessinfo website and consider applying.
“Every possible effort is being made to process remaining applications as quickly as possible. Businesses which have already applied to the scheme or which are currently having their application reconsidered do not need to make a further application.”
Notes to editors:
- Under the scheme businesses will receive the following amounts for every week these restrictions apply:
• Small businesses (up to £15,000 Net Annual Value) – £800
• Medium businesses (£15,001 - £51,000 Net Annual Value) – £1,200
• Large businesses (over £51,000 Net Annual Value) – £1,600 -
Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance Press Office on email dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk.
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The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.