No DfE meeting for ‘left behind’ micro business owners

Lobby group ExcludedNI claims that up to 10,000 sole traders and micro business owners in NI have “been left behind” despite UK government efforts to assist the regional economies during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Although millions of pounds have already been paid out in grants, Brian Donaldson of ExcludedNI has been left devastated that £65m was underspent by Stormont while so many people got nothing. Freelance chef Mr Donaldson said he expected the economy minister would “make a case” to her Executive colleagues for a new micro business hardship fund to be set up.

However, having written to Mrs Dodds, the minister has now responded saying she will not be able to schedule a meeting due to her current workload.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) response states: “As you will appreciate the minister has a heavily committed diary and is regrettably unable to accept your invitation at this time. However, I understand that correspondence has been received by the department from the group via MLAs and responses will be issued in due course.”

Mr Donaldson said he was disappointed that the meeting request was declined.

“She seems very willing to meet the hospitality sector on a regular basis. She needs to worry about the entire economy,” he said.

A spokesman for the DfE said a decision of further grant aid now rests with the NI Executive.

“The economy has been severely impacted by the pandemic and significant funds are being invested to rebuild and renew the economy,” he said.

“Funding for the three DfE-led grant schemes is ring-fenced and any underspend must be returned to the Executive for reallocation. In considering the approach to Covid-19 recovery, the Executive will collectively determine how future funding, including that available from grant-related underspends, should be allocated.”

‘Left behind’ sole traders in NI need hardship fund

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