Retail NI commented this afternoon on the Executive's Draft Budget
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“It is to be welcomed that Minister Murphy has outlined a further three months rates holiday for smaller businesses from April 2022. This may have to extended if the Executive brings forward new Covid regulations that impact on their ability to trade”
“We look forward to working with the Minister on his new proposals to increase to 24 months rates relief for retailers who occupy vacant properties. This has been a long-term policy priority for Retail NI and is important if we are to address the huge problem of dereliction on our high streets”
“It is disappointing that the Executive could not agree on this budget and does make it difficult for business and civic society to respond to the document if there is not consensus amongst the five parties”
“If the parties do agree a new budget in the next few weeks will this consultation be stopped and a new one started?
