Caoimhe Archibald
East Londonderry · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Taken together, that points to a scheme that is operating effectively in its early stages, while, of course, remaining under review as further evidence becomes available. <BR /> <BR />I therefore commend to the Assembly the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026.”
“I seek the Assembly's approval for the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. The statutory rule was made on 1 April and came into operation on 6 April. It is before the Assembly today under the confirmatory procedure.”
“The 2026 regulatory impact assessment estimates one-off employer familiarisation costs of up to £1·36 million, with wider HMRC implementation costs forecast at £1·5 million and annual systems maintenance costs of around £10,000. It may assist Members to note that early implementation has gone smoothly.”
“The amendment ensures the continued operation of those regulations and forms part of a wider package of legislative measures establishing statutory parental bereavement pay as an entitlement for bereaved parents.”
“The regulations before the Assembly today are a key part of that implementation and ensure the continued operation of the statutory parental bereavement pay framework. The policy objective is clear: to support bereaved working parents at a time of profound loss and provide a minimum standard of protection in law.”
“<BR /> <BR />The confirmatory procedure means that the regulations before the House today have come into operation before the Assembly debate has taken place and must then be approved by the Assembly within the relevant statutory period. In this case, the deadline for approval is 20 September 2026.”
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“It is my intention to bring the results of those screenings and assessments to the Executive as part of the October monitoring round. That will allow the Executive to give due regard to their section 75 duties by considering whether any changes to funding allocations are required. <BR /> <BR />Despite the challenges that the Executive faced in delivering Budget 2024-25, it provides certainty for Departments to allow them to plan and maintain the delivery of public services and to support local businesses, workers and families. I commend the Budget to the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Budget also provides for £2·1 billion of capital expenditure by Departments, including funding for previous Executive commitments, such as flagship projects and city and growth deals. <BR /> <BR />Now that Ministers have their funding envelopes, it is for them to prioritise spending. That will undoubtedly mean difficult decisions for all Departments. In line with previous Equality Commission advice, the Executive were provided with departmental assessments of the potential equality impacts of Departments living within the baseline and of bids, if met, in considering Budget 2024-25. It is now for Departments to carry out equality impact screening and/or assessments in line with their equality schemes. The outcomes of those screenings and assessments should assist Ministers with their choices.”
“The Executive recognised that priority by agreeing a final Budget position for 2023-24 to allow pay negotiations to begin within two weeks of restoration. The Executive continue to recognise pay as a priority. Following the approach that I set out to my Executive colleagues, in order to allow pay to be settled more quickly than in recent years, my Department will now write to Departments to formally communicate that public-sector pay policy. Given the ongoing budgetary constraints, that policy will maintain that 2024-25 pay awards must be affordable within each Department's Budget settlement. It is also clear that the principle of fairness must apply to all workers. Consideration must be given to how awards can be targeted to address low pay and the payment of the real living wage.”
“Affordable and accessible childcare is a priority for the Executive, and, despite the challenging context, it was important to reflect that in the Budget. Of the funding that was available for allocation to general pressures, over 90% went to three Departments: Health, Education and Justice. Indeed, the Executive demonstrated their commitment to Health by allocating it over half of the overall resource departmental expenditure limit (DEL) available. That sees Health baseline funding increase by £1·6 billion over the three-year period of the spending review. <BR /> <BR />Public-sector workers deserve to be paid fairly for their dedication and the services that they deliver for citizens daily.”
“If the Bill could not be introduced until after the summer recess, it would bring a real risk that Departments would reach the limit of their Vote on Account. I cannot contemplate a situation where Departments could be unable to access cash to deliver services. I caution those who are minded to do that to think through the consequences of their actions. If a balanced Budget is not agreed, the write-off of £559 million that is provided in the financial package is potentially at risk. The repayment of such an amount would severely impact on our Budget for 2025-26. Therefore, we simply cannot delay Assembly approval. <BR /> <BR />Work on a Programme for Government is ongoing, but the Budget reflects the views and priorities of the Executive: for example, setting aside £25 million to support a childcare strategy.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am aware that some believe that the Budget should be delayed to allow the additional allocations to be included. However, Assembly approval of the Budget cannot be delayed. Not only is such an approach not permitted under section 64 of the 1998 Act but it would carry real risks. There would be a risk of overspends, as Departments would be delayed in taking decisions to live within allocations, and, worse still, it might lead to decisions being made later in the year and having harsher impacts on citizens. <BR /> <BR />Any delay in agreeing a Budget would have a corresponding impact on the Budget Bill and Main Estimates. The 65% Vote on Account was based on Royal Assent being obtained in September.”
“I will come back to you. <BR /> <BR />I had expected — in fact, I was told — that the Westminster Main Estimates would be introduced before June monitoring, thereby providing certainty on the funding available. However, as per usual, the Tories prioritised self-interest by calling a general election, which has prevented that. We had initial indications from Treasury on the funding that was to be provided. While there is, of course, the potential that an incoming Government will make different decisions, it is important that the additional funding is provided to Departments at an early stage to give them the ability to plan and make decisions. Therefore, the June monitoring round will proceed to the intended timescale and assumptions will be made on the funding available on the basis of previous Treasury indications.”
“That means that additional funding will be available from any Barnett consequentials in 2024-25 and 2025-26. <BR /> <BR />I plan to bring recommendations on the June monitoring round to the Executive at the end of June. Although I cannot provide certainty until the Westminster Main Estimates process concludes, it is likely that significant additional funding will be provided to the Executive through that process. I had expected —.”
“That means that concerns over falling off a cliff edge once the financial package ends in 2025-26 can be tempered. <BR /> <BR />The interim fiscal framework will also see the 24% needs-based factor applied to new Barnett consequentials from the time that the Executive were restored, rather than from the beginning of the 2024-25 financial year. That means an additional £24 million for the Executive from the spring Budget announcement alone that will be available in June monitoring. Some might say that £24 million is a drop in the ocean, given the scale of the pressures that we face, but we operate in a system where every pound matters. The needs-based factor will also apply even if the financial package brings the Executive's funding level above the level of relative need.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have established and developed relationships with Treasury, and it is acutely aware of our position and our determination to ensure the best possible outcome for the Executive. Last Tuesday, I signed an interim fiscal framework with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that secured a number of concessions. A Joint Exchequer Committee has been established, which reflects arrangements in Scotland and Wales and is an important step towards agreeing a final fiscal framework. A commitment to review the Executive's funding approach before the 2026-27 Budget was agreed. Importantly, it recognises that the Executive will continue to plan on the basis that they will be funded at or above the 124% level of relative need in future financial years.”
“That will not be corrected or fixed simply by being funded at a level of relative need. What we need is more funding for public services. The Executive are united on that, and I will continue to fight for it. I will take the fight to whomever is elected as the next British Government that our public services need additional investment to deliver for those who rely on them: for people on waiting lists; to make childcare more affordable; to invest in special educational needs; and for much-needed investment in our schools, hospitals, roads and environment. I will have the backs of our hard-working public-sector workers and work to deliver for all our citizens.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many in the Chamber can tell Executive Ministers where to spend money. However, they rarely provide a proposition outlining where they would take the money from to make that happen. Simply put, additional funding for one area means less funding for another. As Finance Minister, I have tried to build consensus and focus on what we can do together, and I will continue to work with all Ministers in the Executive to meet the challenges that we face. Articulating problems is easy. However, working together to address them is what we were elected to do. I will keep working in partnership with all Ministers in the Executive to meet the challenges that we face and to continue to make the case for better funding for public services. <BR /> <BR />For over a decade, the austerity agenda of the Tories has devastated public services.”
“It was not easy, and everyone around the Table had to compromise, but it paved the way for this important debate to happen before summer recess. <BR /> <BR />Of course, time was not the only challenge that the Executive faced in setting the Budget. As has been widely publicised, demand outstripped the funding available many times over. For every pound we had to allocate to day-to-day spending on public services, we had three times as many demands. Similarly, for every one pound available to spend on capital, including money for hospitals, schools and roads, we had one and a half times as many demands. With increased demands on services and rising costs, the Executive simply do not have the Budget to do everything they wish to do to provide the public services that people expect and deserve.”
“One-year Budgets do not create the circumstances and conditions to strategically plan the delivery of public services. To deliver the necessary change in how our services are funded and operated, we need multi-year Budgets. That was not possible though, as this is the last year of the current spending review period. <BR /> <BR />Ideally, a Finance Minister would present a Budget to the Assembly before the start of the financial year on 1 April. From a practical perspective, it was imperative that Ministers were given time to consider their Departments' priorities and financial position before considering Budget proposals. To allow for that, after discussion, the Executive agreed a short extension to the end of April for the agreement of a Budget. That target was achieved by the Executive, with a Budget being agreed on 25 April.”
“The restoration of the Executive on 3 February meant that there was an exceptionally tight time frame in which to develop the Budget. Despite the financial package that accompanied restoration, it was always clear that this was going to be an incredibly challenging Budget. The time frame for this Budget process did not allow for the full level of engagement that I would have wanted. My strong preference would have been to publish a draft Budget and put it out for a full 12-week consultation, and the results of that consultation would then have informed the Executive's decisions on their final Budget. Unfortunately, that was not an option; there was simply not enough time to do that. However, that is the approach that I intend to take going forward.”
“I therefore commend the motion and will ask my officials to explore how we can develop policy options relating to this important subject.”
“There are others who will, I am sure, take an interest in any potential reform, and there are various agencies inside and outside of government that my Department will want to engage with. I hope that, as options are scoped and initial views are considered and assessed, we can begin to make progress towards reform. I believe that the time is right to begin that work. <BR /> <BR />Blame and its attribution can create division and resentment and, in virtually every case, it does not change or impact on the reality that a marriage is effectively over. We need to consider how we can look past that and allow couples to work together to agree post-split arrangements that are best for them, their finances and, where relevant, their children.”
“As the Member will be aware, the legislation that we hope to bring forward in relation to raising the marriage age and in relation to beliefs marriage is well developed, and we hope to move forward with that quite soon. I do not want to hold it up while we consult and develop proposals in relation to divorce, but, as I said, it is an issue that I am keen to see taken forward later in the mandate. As such, I have already asked my officials to begin an engagement process with those who can make a contribution to the development of policy on divorce. <BR /> <BR />It is an area of interest not just for my Department on the substantive law side, but, as the former Minister of Justice said, for the Department of Justice and the Courts and Tribunals Service, which both have a very important role in the operation of the divorce system.”
“My Department has limited resources in this area, and the small team that has responsibility for private family law and a range of other civil law reform matters is developing legislation around our marriage laws that I hope will come before the Assembly in 2025. With that in mind, the issue is one that I am keen to develop as a priority later in the mandate. I believe that it is right that we examine the matter further and take on board the views of interested parties, key stakeholders, couples, children and all those involved in the process.”
“I believe in the ability of the Assembly to consider and make laws that are appropriate to here. While I am of the view that the changes in England and Wales appear to be a positive step forward, I recognise that we might want to consider alternative approaches that reflect the values and views of our society and will deliver on the same goals of reducing conflict, being better for the parties divorcing and easier for children and minimising the harm that can, at times, follow from bitter and contested divorces.”
“No-fault divorce allows divorce to proceed on a less contentious basis and avoids parties being trapped in a marriage. No-fault divorces are already in place in England and Wales and in the South, and I have noted the changes to divorce laws elsewhere.”
“The purpose of the motion is to consider how we can enable divorces to take place in the most constructive manner, thus reducing conflict and enabling individuals to move on with their lives. That is particularly important in cases where divorcing couples have children. I think that we can agree that a child's interests are best served when conflict is reduced or eradicated; when there is cooperation between divorcing parents, not tension; and when the focus of the legal process is not on apportioning blame but on helping everyone to move on in as smooth a way as possible. <BR /> <BR />Needing to cite blame when applying for divorce can lead to more difficult situations, especially for victims of domestic abuse, as a number of Members have said. There is potential for continued controlling or coercive behaviour.”
“While many marriages endure and last a lifetime, there are others that, for a variety of reasons, will end. The same can happen with civil partnerships, and when relationships break down, it is our role as policymakers to consider how best to handle those circumstances. Our current law sets out a scheme that allows couples to divorce but also requires them, in certain cases, to show fault and attribute blame. That can lead to additional and unnecessary conflict. I believe that we need to assess our law in a way that minimises the potential for conflict. <BR /> <BR />Divorce can, at times, be a protracted, difficult and painful process that takes many months or, indeed, years, particularly if the divorce is grounded on a fault basis.”
“Thank you. I thank the sponsors of the motion for bringing it to the Floor. This is an issue that deserves further consideration by us, as policymakers. <BR /> <BR />The substantive law on divorce, for which my Department holds responsibility, in the context of private family law, has remained untouched since the matrimonial causes legislation that was passed in 1978. That is coming up on nearly half a century ago, and, as society has changed, attitudes have changed and the world around us has changed, so it is now right that we take the time to reflect on societal issues like divorce and assess whether the existing law appropriately reflects those changes. <BR /> <BR />It is an unfortunate reality of life that marriages sometimes break down.”
“Figures from last year showed us to be the only region to have had an increase in cash withdrawals since the previous year, so it is important to ensure that communities have access to cash. Diane and Áine spoke to the importance of that in rural areas that have recently lost bank branches. <BR /> <BR />I will continue to engage with the sector on that. In the autumn, I hope to have a repeat of the round table that Minister Murphy had in the previous mandate. My officials have been engaging with the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority on all these issues. It is important that, collectively, we make the case for people to have the ability to access banking services. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I ask Members to support the measure and I commend the order to the Assembly.”
“During the initial consultation on the measure, there was a suggestion that it should apply only to free-to-use ATMs. However, some of the feedback was that even a fee-charging ATM is better than no ATM in a rural community. Certainly, I am of the view that it is less palatable to give a rates exemption to those who charge fees, but it is also about retaining services in a local area. I raised that issue when I met the representatives of the banking industry. <BR /> <BR />Mr O'Toole also asked about that engagement. It was about the broader issues in the concerns about the branch network and the number of closures that we have seen over recent years. It was also about how those decisions are taken and the need to ensure that communities have access to cash. We are a region that is more cash dependent.”
“I thank Members for their useful comments on the order and on the wider issues relating to the extension of the exemption in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />The scheme is, as things stand, worth continuing for those who live in isolated rural communities and who still depend on the availability of cash from ATMs. We all appreciate the difficulties that are encountered in those communities because of any measure that could limit the circulation of cash, and I am happy to continue this one as long as it continues to help provide some support to people and businesses in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />I will pick up on some of the comments that Members made. The policy intent is about retaining ATMs in rural areas, and Matthew and Diane referred to how some ATMs are fee charging.”
“Article 2 specifies a later date of 1 April 2025 for the purposes of the definition of "relevant year" in article 42(1G) of the Rates Order 1977, with the result that the exemption will continue until 31 March 2025. Article 3 revokes the Rates (Exemption for Automatic Telling Machines in Rural Areas) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022, which had previously extended the exemption until 31 March 2023, prior to the measure's expiring in the absence of a functioning Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to Members' comments. I commend the rates order to the House.”
“The scheme will continue to apply to stand-alone rural ATMs that are individually valued in the valuation list, such as separate units on main streets or completely stand-alone units. As in previous years, the scheme does not need to apply to ATMs that are located in and valued as part of banks or building societies. The value of those machines is subsumed into the overall value of that property, which is to say that they have no stand-alone rates liability. The current cost of the measure continues to be modest, at less than £50,000 in forgone rates revenue. The scheme continues to assist the retention of rural ATMs, which, as was noted in Committee, is important to many of our rural communities. <BR /> <BR />Article 1 sets out the citation, commencement and interpretation provisions.”
“All of us will know that the retention of ATMs is particularly valued in rural communities that have been impacted on by branch closures, as well as by older people and low-income customers. It therefore makes sense to see what the Executive and the Assembly can do to encourage the retention of rural ATMs. <BR /> <BR />Previous research and analysis, along with feedback received during the 2019 business rates review, which was conducted just before the pandemic, confirmed that stakeholders wanted to see the scheme retained, despite the declining number of machines that were rated. I recognise, and my officials have advised the Finance Committee of this, that the legislation goes a small way towards helping the retention of specific ATMs in rural areas by extending the scheme until the end of March 2025.”
“The order reintroduces the rural ATM rates exemption scheme for the 2024-25 rating year. The exemption lapsed in the absence of an Executive and an Assembly in 2023, when affirmative resolution legislation could not be passed. Today's order addresses that by restoring the scheme to operation and ensuring that no liability is incurred for the lapsed period. The scheme has always been a micro-measure but has been seen as an important localised measure with the policy objective of sustaining the provision of ATMs in rural areas through the removal of any rates liability for those facilities. <BR /> <BR />I recently met representatives of high street banks, UK Finance, LINK and Cash Access UK to talk about the impact of branch closures on communities and the availability of ATMs and over-the-counter services.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr O'Toole specifically referenced the non-domestic vacant property rating relief, which was one of the measures that was considered as part of the rate revenue-raising consultation. We will be looking at the responses as part of the feedback on that broader piece of work. Also, Mr Tennyson commented on how this scheme fits into the broader regeneration of the high street. I agree that a cross-departmental effort is required there and that it should also involve local government. The high street task force reported back in 2022, and its recommendation relevant to the Department of Finance was in respect of the Back in Business scheme, so we have undertaken to ensure that that is put back in place. <BR /> <BR />I ask Members to support this measure and I commend the order to the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will pick up on a couple of the comments that Members made. Matthew O'Toole made some observations that the Committee had raised queries about and had some responses on the fact that businesses receiving this rate relief are unable to also avail themselves of other rate reliefs. Recipients have been evaluating the outworkings of the previous iteration of it, mostly small, independent businesses. He also mentioned the rate revenue-raising consultation, the responses to which I am considering at the moment. Some 1,400 people took the time to reply to that consultation, so it is well worthwhile to consider what those people had to say about our rating system. As Mr Tennyson said, I am undertaking a strategic assessment of our rating system. It is important that it aligns with our economic vision.”
“I thank the Chair of the Finance Committee and the Members who contributed to the debate. <BR /> <BR />This scheme is worth reintroducing because it can breathe new life into our high streets, after what has been a difficult time for many businesses, while, at the same time, helping traders old and new deal with the cost of doing business. Vacant commercial property is a blight on the appearance of our high streets. It undermines our towns and cities, which is something that the Assembly and Executive should address. This measure can go some way towards addressing that. Back in Business is also a good example of what we should try to do more of: strategic low-cost interventions that make a critical difference to businesses, especially in a climate of fiscal restraint.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the substantive details of the order, article 1 sets out the citation and commencement, and article 2 provides for the amendment of article 31D of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, substituting the old date with the new end date of 31 March 2025. The prior legislation — the Rates (Temporary Rebate) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 — is then revoked by virtue of article 3. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I look forward to hearing what Members have to say about the measure. I commend the Rates (Temporary Rebate) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 to the House.”
“The scheme is, therefore, one of those rare things in the rating system: a win-win, providing support to new businesses while growing revenue in the longer term. While the scheme has operated for a number of years in different guises, there have been no instances of it being misused, nor has there been any evidence of displacement. That was true of the most recent iteration of the scheme where the recipients were largely sole traders occupying lower-value units as they started or expanded their businesses. <BR /> <BR />Members of the Finance Committee have already been advised of the detail of the statutory rule. Members indicated at SL1 stage that they were content for the scheme to be reintroduced and run to 31 March 2025. That was confirmed following the making of the rule and the Committee's associated clearance on 17 April.”
“Today's extension will allow Land and Property Services (LPS) to receive new applications for the scheme until 31 March 2025, and LPS will also undertake publicity for the scheme to attempt to maximise uptake. It will help to provide new businesses with some certainty on overheads and help them to adjust to budgeting for their business. When they adjust to full rates liability in due course, the Executive and councils will then benefit from the growth in tax base. In my first few months as Minister, I have stressed the importance of growing our tax base by encouraging new businesses and business growth. <BR /> <BR />Importantly, in the first two years of business, the Department still generates the same revenue as it would have raised had the property simply remained as a long-term vacant unit.”
“As has always been the case, the scheme will be subject to ongoing monitoring over the next year to assess its roll-out.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's order reimplements the scheme, which will become operative this week. The reintroduction of the Back in Business scheme will incentivise the occupation of retail units on the high street that have sat vacant for 12 months.”
“Empty properties undermine civic pride and confidence. They send out a negative perception of our towns and cities. I know that all of us in the Chamber are passionate about the need to reinvigorate our towns and cities. That is why, when we returned in February, I advised the Assembly that I would reintroduce the scheme to support our high streets. When I took up office, one of the first things that business representatives requested of me was the reintroduction of the scheme to help boost the creation of new businesses and drive footfall for existing businesses in towns and cities. I am, therefore, delighted to be in a position to bring the order before the Assembly so quickly after the immediate priority of setting the regional rate for 2024-25 has been legislated for.”
“The scheme's introduction here inspired similar schemes in England, Scotland and Wales before my predecessor, Minister Murphy, extended the measure in 2022 to provide a 24-month rates reduction at 50%, helping new businesses to adjust to rates liability in those difficult opening years of trading. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of today's legislation is to reinstate the Back in Business scheme, which lapsed in March 2023 as a result of the absence of a functioning Assembly. The statutory rule makes no change to the policy in place previously. It simply reintroduces the measure until the end of the rating year, after which I will consider aligning its operation with any multi-year Budget settlement that can be agreed at Executive level. <BR /> <BR />Many of you will be familiar with the sad sight of vacant properties on our high streets.”
“Before I deal with the statutory rule (SR), I will set out some background to the measure. The scheme was designed by my Department as an amendment to the Rates (Amendment) Act 2012, following a proposal by Belfast Chamber of Commerce. At that time, the economy was coming out of the global downturn, and the Executive introduced a package of measures to help town and city centres. Sadly, many of the issues facing the high street then have become prevalent again, with many households and businesses facing increased costs as a result of geopolitical events and their impact on energy costs and inflation. <BR /> <BR />The "Back in Business" scheme, as it was later branded, aims to provide key support through a 50% reduction for businesses that move into properties that have been vacant for one year or more.”
“I am very aware of the challenges that all businesses face, and that is why I and my Executive colleagues are determined to continue to offer a range of supports to hospitality and tourism businesses, especially through the vital work of Tourism NI and Invest NI. In addition, my officials will continue to lobby the British Government on reducing VAT levels, given the damaging impact that they are having on the sector.”
“In order to deliver that work, the Economy Minister intends to establish a tourism partnership board made up of representatives from tourism and hospitality, Executive Departments and local government. The board will help to develop and oversee an action plan that will be co-designed and co-delivered with the industry. The public and tourism industry-wide consultation that took place between November 2023 and February 2024 will also inform that action plan. <BR /> <BR />Like everyone here, I value hospitality and tourism businesses immensely. They deliver value to the economy across all our constituencies, and they are an important part of the fabric of our communities.”
“I am also meeting representatives of Hospitality Ulster later this week to continue my engagement with the sector. <BR /> <BR />Along with my colleague the Minister for the Economy and her predecessor, I have been hugely impressed by the optimism, energy and ambition of hospitality and tourism businesses. Minister Hargey sees her Department's role as enabling those industries to continue to grow in a way that aligns with an economic vision of a productive, regionally balanced net zero economy with good jobs. In fulfilling that role, she will bring forward a tourism vision and action plan that will set out a range of actions to support the growth of the tourism sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />During the pandemic, the rating system was deemed modern and robust enough to be fully repurposed as the vehicle that could rapidly deliver £1·3 billion of financial assistance to businesses through the targeted rates holidays and several grant schemes, much of which supported many in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The issue for the Executive as regards the hospitality sector's interaction with the rating system is whether the Executive should provide that sector with support in addition to a share of the existing £21·5 million small business rate relief currently being awarded to 65% of the hospitality sector. I have already met representatives of the hospitality industry on a number of occasions since taking up office to discuss the challenges for the sector and Reval2026.”
“<BR /> <BR />The whole business rates system has repeatedly been subject to public consultation, review, reform and revision over the past two decades — in 2007, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 and, most recently, this year, 2023-24. My Department is undertaking a strategic assessment of business rate reliefs following the consultation, which closed in February. Over 1,400 people responded to that consultation, and I want to take time to consider their views. In addition, the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre is undertaking independent academic research on the impact of current business rate poundage differentials. I am open to working with external bodies in order to obtain an independent view of how the system may be recalibrated.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last year, 65% of the hospitality sector was supported by my Department's small business rate relief scheme, which provides businesses with a reduction of between 20% and 50% on their rates. My Department recently extended that into 2024-25. There have been calls to match the additional support provided for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England. Locally, rates are a devolved matter, and, due to the differences in tax bases, we are unable to afford the level of support that is available in England to such an extensive range of businesses across retail, hospitality and leisure. Those properties make up the core base of our tax base. Likewise, neither Scotland nor Wales have been able to replicate the level of relief provided in England for 2024-25.”
“Tourism NI also provides funding and support to the hospitality and tourism skills (HATS) network, which delivers a range of collaborative activity to attract and retain people in the sector, as well as working closely with Hospitality Ulster and other organisations on skills and recruitment issues in the sector. <BR /> <BR />Invest NI supports capital investment in tourism accommodation outside greater Belfast through its tourism development scheme. Invest NI works with around 52 hotels and guest accommodation providers, giving them advice and support towards investment in skills development, innovation, management information systems and energy efficiency.”
“Tourism NI's initiatives also include the "Make it Here!" campaign to boost recruitment and retention in the tourism and hospitality sectors; a comprehensive plan to further develop food and drink tourism over the next five years; high-profile and high-impact marketing campaigns to continue to drive awareness of what we have to offer; tailored courses, such as "Get into Tourism", to encourage new people into the sector; and engaging with young people on tourism and hospitality as a career option. That is an ongoing area of important work that includes partnering with the educational charity Springboard to deliver schools programmes.”