Debate contribution: High Street Task Force
Debate contribution by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on .
- MLA
- Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 8 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- High Street Task Force
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5600424
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The high street task force concluded its work when it published its report in March 2022. It made a number of recommendations, which have been taken forward by ministerial colleagues in the Department for Communities, Department for the Economy, Department of Finance and Department for Infrastructure. We recognise the significant pressures facing small businesses here, particularly the impact of rising costs of food and fuel, and the challenges that they create for the sustainability and vitality of our high streets. In response, the Department of Finance has extended support through the small business rate relief scheme, which supports around 30,000 small businesses, to 2026-27. Local councils also play a vital role in supporting and revitalising our high streets. The £45 million regional balance fund supports councils in identifying and addressing specific economic challenges in their areas. It will be important to continue to engage with them, as key delivery partners, to ensure that we have thriving, sustainable high streets for us all to enjoy.
164 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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