18/01/2022

Omicron Hospitality Payment Package 'Falls Short'

The Executive's Omicron Hospitality Payment package does not support all businesses affected by the current restrictions, the Green Party NI's Rachel Woods MLA has said.

The North Down MLA said: "The £40 million funding package announced before Christmas only involved a one-off grant to hospitality businesses. However, event management, marketing, and promotions businesses, which have also been affected by the restrictions, are not eligible for this financial support.

"It's unacceptable that some businesses whose income has been affected by restrictions are not eligible for financial support under the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme. Throughout the pandemic, the five-party Executive's response has been characterised by uncertainty and unclear communication, especially regarding the rules and support for hospitality businesses.

"I call on the Finance Minister and Economy Minister to bring forward measures to ensure that all businesses affected by the current restrictions are covered by the support payments."


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