Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I have already reflected in my responses that I am still waiting for clarity from Treasury about what money of that £708 million that is loosely earmarked for transformation has been repackaged. As I said, I share the concerns that the Education Minister outlined about those projects. The Executive did not sign up to…
I very much recognise the challenges that have faced all businesses, particularly small businesses. As I have said previously, I will consider the responses to the consultation on revenue raising and assess the findings of that exercise. I will look at a number of strategic areas of policy in the weighting system in…
Does the Minister have any intention to change the scheme once we reach the year end given the challenges that small businesses in particular have faced over the past few years?
My Department has extended the small business rate relief scheme in legislation for the forthcoming financial year. That will automatically provide in the region of £20-million worth of assistance to 29,000 small businesses that benefit from a reduction of between 20% and 50% in their rates.
I have not made any ministerial direction to the permanent secretary. If the Member would like to write to me to ask for more detail, I will be happy to provide him with any information that he wishes.
Minister, thank you for your response. Has the Minister had to issue any ministerial directions to the permanent secretary of the Department of Finance, as there does not appear to be any resolution to the issue of revenue raising?
The consultation process on measures to support Budget sustainability and raise additional revenue that my Department was directed to undertake by the Secretary of State cost £2,906·80. That included costs for newspaper advertising and a stakeholder engagement event on 9 November.
I am clear that our rating system should be fair, equitable and progressive, but it should be very much aligned to our economic vision. It should be about creating jobs and supporting businesses. It is important to note that what we are trying to achieve with our rating system is growing the tax base so that more…
Does the Minister agree that any change, particularly any reduction, in our industrial derating regime would damage the ability to attract investment based on our dual-market access and manufacturing export?
As I mentioned, we had over 1,400 consultation responses from various sectors. Obviously, the manufacturing sector will be represented in those. I am aware of the concerns that have been raised. I am also aware of the importance of that rates relief to the manufacturing sector, which is successful here. We have a…
Thank you, Minister, for your answer. You will be aware of the huge concern in manufacturing regarding the non-domestic rates measures, particularly that of industrial derating. Many in our manufacturing sector have suffered greatly due to rising energy and staff costs and, indeed, post-Brexit trading conditions. Is…
The consultation opened on 7 November and concluded on 13 February. A total of 1,400 responses were received on domestic and non-domestic rating measures. My officials are analysing the responses with a view to providing me with the initial findings report in March.
The rates revenue-raising consultation was limited in the questions that were asked. However, I understand from officials that a considerable number of responses were received, some of which were lengthy and provided a lot of detailed information in relation to particular sectors. There is a range of rates relief…
Minister, you await the findings of the rates relief review. Should such findings include an assessment of the impact of getting rid of each relief on household budgets, rent costs and small businesses?
The Department of Finance's rates revenue-raising consultation opened on 7 November and concluded on 13 February. As I have just said to Mr Aiken, 1,400 responses were received. My officials are analysing those with a view to providing me with an initial findings report in March. I am keen to understand what those who…
Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire fosta. Minister, can you provide an update on the Department's rates revenue-raising consultation, le do thoil ?
The consultations are at various stages. They were launched on different dates between October and early January this year, so the consultation periods also varied. There is a range of closing dates. Those that have closed relate to the overarching financial context, rates relief and hospital car parking charges. As…
Thank you very much for your remarks about the ongoing consultations on revenue raising. Other Ministers seem to have taken those off the table. If that is the case, can you give us a status update on which consultations are running and which are not?
On 20 September, the Secretary of State wrote to permanent secretaries, directing them to launch public consultations on measures to support budget sustainability by raising additional revenue. Those consultations were at various stages when the Executive returned, and it will now be for individual Ministers to…
I received a letter from the Minister of Health asking for assistance in supporting hospices in any way possible. No specific bid for additional funding for hospices was made to the Department. Obviously, the Executive have now agreed the final allocations for the 2023-24 Budget. However, I have written to the Health…
I thank my colleague from North Belfast for raising the issue. I am glad that the Minister mentioned that she would welcome a bid from the Minister of Health for a more secure funding model for the hospice. Will she raise with him the fact that there is a need for a business case for more sustainable funding not just…
I have recently begun the process of setting the Budget for the Executive for the incoming financial year. As part of that, Departments have been invited to make bids for the available funding on the basis of their priorities and needs. It will then be for the Executive to decide how the funding is shared out among…
The Minister will be aware of the huge public concern about the reduction in services at the Children's Hospice. I pay tribute to local campaigners, including the 1,200 who have signed my parliamentary petition on the issue. Will the Minister put it on the record that she would welcome a bid from the Health Minister…
I very much appreciate the important role that hospices play in delivering specialist care to people with palliative and end-of-life care needs. I welcome the Health Minister's reinstatement of the £85,000 in funding to the Children's Hospice for this year, which had been withdrawn. I know that the Member has been…
The Member will be aware that £210 million has been allocated from government: £100 million of city deal funding and £110 million from the inclusive future fund, which will be equally funded by the Executive and the British Government. Derry City and Strabane District Council and project delivery partners are expected…