Finance Minister pressed on rates rebates

Finance Minister pressed on rates rebates

11 July 2012 - by Joanne Fleming

NEWCASTLE Chamber of Commerce hosted a visit from Finance Minister Sammy Wilson to the town on Monday.

Mr. Wilson was pressed to extend rates relief for local businesses at the meeting, while receiving an update on the Newcastle economy.

South Down MLA Jim Wells facilitated the visit, which was also hosted by the Northern Ireland Independent Trade Association (NIIRTA).

Mr. Wilson began his visit with a round table discussion with traders in the Newcastle Centre, before going on a walkabout round the town.

Simon Welby, of Cafe Creme, and spokesman for Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, said the Minister could see at first hand the benefits from recent investment in the town.

“While we are pleased with the new public realm scheme on the seafront, we want to work with the Executive to ensure Newcastle realises its full tourism potential which will grow our retail and hospitality sectors,” he said.

“Newcastle has some fantastic local independent traders which offer something different to consumers, supported by some first class hotels, restaurants and cafes.”

Mr. Welby said Newcastle had “a very good local economy” but described rates in the area as “fairly high”. He said the recently introduced Small Business Rate Relief Scheme in Northern Ireland was welcome but said traders ultimately wanted to be on a par with Scotland, where rebates were available for businesses with a rateable value of below £15,000, instead of £10,000 in Northern Ireland.

“In principle Sammy Wilson said he would love to do it, but different efficiency measures would have to be brought in, and it would two or three years down the line,” Mr. Welby continued.

“He stopped at various places in the town and was very down to earth, very amenable. I think he was really impressed.

“Newcastle is bucking the trend on the High Street. Fortunately there are not a lot of vacant buildings and once one becomes vacant it not long until it is filled.

“I think the investment and the promenade has made a big difference, but we cannot afford to sit back.

“We feel a bit neglected in terms of tourism promotion. We have a very good product here but there has been an emphasis this year on attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway.”

Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive, said: “We commend our colleagues in Newcastle Chamber of Commerce for the leadership they provide to local traders and urge all local businesses to support their efforts to move the town forward.

“NIIRTA is very pleased with the positive feedback we have received from our members about the recent extension to the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme which has given much needed relief to many local traders struggling with the recession.

“At our meeting with Minister Wilson we encouraged him to go further and extend the scheme to £12,000 NAV which will provide even more small businesses with much needed support with their rates bill.”