Industry Crying Out For Lifeline After Finance Minister Emergency Measures

17 March 2020

Industry Crying Out For Lifeline After Finance Minister Emergency Measures

Reacting to the statement by Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA this evening, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said:

“After an empty and non-committal statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer late this afternoon, we have welcomed further clarity from the Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, who has brought forward some emergency measures to reduce the cost of rates on businesses at this very uncertain time.”

 

“We note that all businesses will pay zero rates for the next three months and that the issuing of bills will move from April to June which will assist with some easing of cashflow, but we are still a huge way away from what’s needed; it’s not enough; and it may be too late for many.”

 

“Many of our members are rapidly losing their businesses and staff and we need more measures to be implemented immediately. The stress and strain on our people is now immense as they fear they will not be able to provide for their families, pay bills or put food on the table.”

 

“It’s now time for the UK government to get real about the problems that we are facing here and level up in our hour of need and provide the NI Executive with more funding. We are crying out for a lifeline before our industry sinks without trace in what could be a matter of days.”