The Minister said: “The policy I am taking forward has been fully endorsed by the Executive and, since its announcement, there has been cross party support and calls from the business community to introduce it at the earliest opportunity.
“I listened carefully today to the Association and recent calls from the Federation of Small Businesses. Both organisations stressed the need to get the necessary legislation passed by the Assembly as a matter of urgency. I will take whatever steps are needed to ensure that the legislation is brought forward and passed as soon as possible”.
The Minister went on to explain that, following Executive approval, the support of the Assembly will be vital in order to deliver the scheme.
He said: “The necessary enabling legislation has been drafted. When the Executive clears it, I will be looking to all parties in the Assembly to give this the green light and drive it through so that the scheme can be delivered in time for next year’s bills - delivering real help to many of our smaller businesses during this downturn”.
“This is particularly important because the scheme cannot be introduced without the legislation in place. If there are any further delays and the Bill is delivered late, the scheme’s provisions cannot be backdated to the beginning of the financial year nor can it be introduced 'in year'”.
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) said: “The introduction of a Small Business Rate Relief Scheme will be of considerable help to those small retailers and businesses who are struggling to pay their rates bills as the result of the downturn.
“Minister Wilson and his predecessor, Nigel Dodds, deserve considerable credit for bringing the scheme forward which will bring us into line with the rest of the UK.
“This has been a long term policy priority for NIIRTA and we have raised this issue with all of the local political parties, who have indicated their support for the scheme. We now need to see that all Party support when the Assembly considers the legislation."
Notes to Editors:
- The introduction of a Small Business Rate Relief scheme for Northern Ireland was announced in December 2008. It will assist some 16,000 small businesses as well as sub-post offices. It will be based on net annual value criteria and will be awarded without the need for an application from eligible rate payers.
- The enabling provisions will be contained in the forthcoming Rates (Amendment) Bill. Because of the legislative procedures for the introduction and passage of a Bill through the Assembly, and the need for subordinate legislation to provide the details of the scheme, the earliest it can be introduced is 1 April 2010.
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