Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, what support her Department will make available to self-employed people. [Priority Written]
Minister for the Economy: The Department launched the Small Business Support Grant scheme on 26 March 2020 which remained open to 20 May 2020. Self-employed people were eligible for the £10,000 grant if they operate of premises with a Total Net Annual Value (NAV) of £15,000 or below and receive either Small Business Rates Relief or Industrial Derating. Further details on the scheme are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-£10000-small-business-support-grant-scheme .
The Department also launched the £25,000 Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant. Self-employed people were eligible to apply if their business fell into those sectors and had a Total NAV of between £15,001 and £51,000, subject to some exclusions. Details of the scheme are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-£25000-retail-hospitality-tourism-and-leisure-grant .
Self-employed people who employ at least one other person are able to apply for the NI Microbusiness Hardship Fund which launched on 20 May 2020. An Eligibility Checker and the application portal are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-ni-micro-business-hardship-fund . Applications can be made until 12 June 2020.
Many other means of support are offered on a UK-wide basis. The Chancellor has announced the Self-employed Income Support Scheme. This offers 80% of trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for 3 months. Other support is available such as HMRC Time to Pay and Income Tax Deferral. Further details are available at https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/coronavirus .
ENDS
Your MLA 