Debate contribution: Business Rates

Debate contribution by Mr John Stewart on 1 June 2026.

MLA: Mr John Stewart
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 1 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Business Rates
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5581276

Text

Minister, you will know that many of our town centres and villages are on their knees. Many of the independent retailers whom I speak to are running to stand still to pay their bills. They also feel that they are paying a premium to be in town centres, even though the footfall simply is not there. Shopping habits are changing. What more can you do, as Finance Minister, to support our independent retailers and alleviate the burden of town centre rates?

81 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3641/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

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