Retail NI Reaction to Chancellors Budget Statement

“The Chancellor has made a very welcome announcement, giving independent retailers in England a 50% rates discount. It is absolutely vital that our Finance Minister ensures this fully applies to eligible small traders in Northern Ireland”

 “Retail NI has long called for the Rating system to provide incentives for business to grow. It is welcome that the Chancellor has included this in his statement. Again, we call on this to be implemented locally”

 “It is important that these initiatives on Business Rates are followed through in Northern Ireland as we have a perfect storm coming our way with a forthcoming National Insurance hike and huge increases in energy prices.  Both will add to the considerable burden of many business owners in Northern Ireland”

 “We welcome the additional £1.6bn funding for the NI Executive, cuts in domestic Air Passenger Duty and the freeze on fuel duty”