Ministers to discuss financial package for businesses "excluded" from government grant schemes

by Q Radio News

Stormont's Economy Minister says she is seeking "urgent agreement" from the Executive, for a grant scheme aimed at supporting businesses who have so far, not received help from the government. 

Diane Dodds is expected to put forward the proposals when ministers meet today. 

Since the start of the pandemic, many small businesses and those who are self-employed who have been impacted by coronavirus, claim they have been left out of other support schemes set up by the government.

Yesterday, Minister Dodds said she had completed the new grant scheme for "businesses impacted by the Executive restrictions but not covered by the DoF scheme". 

She is seeking agreement on further support for tourism and hospitality and those recently self-employed. 

Completed new grant scheme for businesses impacted by the Executive restrictions but not covered by the DoF scheme. Need agreement on further support for tourism and hospitality and those recently self employed. I am hoping for urgent agreement from Ministerial colleagues

— Diane Dodds MLA (@DianeDoddsMLA) October 21, 2020

Last week the Department of Finance announced a support scheme for commercial ratepayers. 

However, many small firms and self-employed people fall outside the eligibility category including the likes of hairdressers who rent chairs in hair salons. 

The Localised Restrictions Support Scheme has already received about 7,500 applications from businesses since it opened on Monday.

Meanwhile, according to the BBC ministers are also expected to discuss the latest modelling paper from the Department of Health regarding the spread of the virus in Northern Ireland and the impact of the current restrictions.