Responding to the publication of a Northern Ireland Budget for 2019/20, FSB NI Policy Chair Tina McKenzie has welcomed that the Budget provides for the continuation of the Small Business Rate Relief scheme, a vital relief for NI small businesses.
Commenting, Tina McKenzie said:
“The Budget enables the Small Business Rate Relief scheme to be continued, which will be welcomed by SMEs across Northern Ireland. The removal of this relief would have led to the doubling of rates for our smallest businesses in a time of increased political and economic uncertainty.
“The fact that the non-domestic regional rate will not increase beyond inflation will also provide some comfort to business owners. FSB has lobbied intensively on these issues in recent months.”
“The absence of a devolved government continues to cause immense frustration for business owners, with action required on skills, infrastructure and further reducing rates for business.
“It is vital that parties do all they can to see a return of an Assembly and Executive as soon as possible, so we can move away from care and maintenance budgets and strategically plan for Northern Ireland’s future.”
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