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 5600432
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Thank you. Again, we have to be particularly vigilant about that. We are aware that global events that are utterly outside our control impact on energy prices. We have been doing a significant amount of work — I think of the group that the head of the Civil Service set up — and regular monitoring to look at what is likely to be coming down the line. We are also participating on a UK-wide basis to push the UK Government on energy support schemes. We anticipate that additional proposals will be brought forward in the summer by the UK Government, but we want to make sure that those are fit for purpose for Northern Ireland and that we are included in the development of that policy so that the support can get to the businesses and people of Northern Ireland where and when they need it. We are very aware of the issues, but, unfortunately, we are limited in what we can do, and we cannot control global events. When it comes to energy security and costs, we have, thus far, been subject to headwinds from elsewhere. We can, however, try to get our energy policy right. That is why, increasingly, we have been articulating not only our concerns but the opportunities that we feel exist, particularly around east-west connectivity, so that we make sure that we have stability of supply and support with costs, including for small businesses and those on our high streets.
245 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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