COVID-19: Member Update regarding Rates

As Government responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, Belfast Chamber will seek to inform members about what support is being made available, what it covers and how it can be accessed.  This is a fast evolving situation and there will undoubtedly be a delay between a policy announcement and the detail becoming clear but Belfast Chamber will do its best to keep you up to date.

On Tuesday evening, the Department of Finance announced a £100 million emergency rates  package for businesses.  The information released so far by the Department shows that:

• There will be a 3 month rate-free (covering April, May or June) for all businesses;
• This will reduce rates by 25% and will be in addition to any reliefs that a business already receives;
• This support does not need to be paid back;
• The Executive has also announced that it will also be reducing the regional business rate;

We anticipate that further announcements about additional support will be made by the Executive in due course and Belfast Chamber will continue to keep you informed as best we can.