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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."
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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
