Call for rates holiday for all Northern Ireland business flood victims

Retail NI and Hospitality Ulster have been in touch with the Department of Finance to urge that all businesses who are severely impacted by the flooding in Newry and other areas are given an immediate business rate holiday to assist them with recovery.

Retail NI and Hospitality Ulster chief executives Glyn Roberts and Colin Neill, said: “The flood damage affecting so many small businesses in Newry and elsewhere is devastating especially so close to Christmas. With further weather warnings for the next few days every possible help must be given to get them through the clean-up and to reopen as quickly as possible.

“We have been in touch with the Department of Finance to urge that all flood damaged small businesses are given an immediate rates holiday through the existing Rates Hardship Fund. Given the substantial loss of trading and damage suffered by these businesses this is the very least that should be done to support them.

“Insurance companies and banks also need to play their part in supporting impacted businesses with speedily claims processing and giving them greater flexibility in replaying loans and overdrafts.

“When the weather improves, an immediate review of flood protection measures should be initiated, and lessons learnt so this sort of damage is limited in the future.”