Local businesses urged to have their say on Small Business Rate Relief consultation

A CONSULTATION on the Small Business Rate Relief scheme has been launched with businesses across Strabane district urged to have their say.

The consultation was launched by Finance Minister, John O’Dowd, who said his aim is to bring forward changes aimed at providing greater support for small businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and I am committed to delivering positive, progressive changes to the rating system here creating a fair environment for all business sectors, fostering entrepreneurship, boosting occupancy of vacant properties and enabling smaller businesses to flourish," he said.

"The Small Business Rate Relief scheme currently provides vital support for operating costs for around 30,000 of our small business properties at a cost of £22.5million in the current rating year.

“We are considering two changes to this scheme to help increase support to businesses and lower operating costs: increasing the level of reductions provided under the scheme and raising the upper valuation threshold that applies within it.

“This consultation offers businesses and interested parties the opportunity to share their final views before proposals are presented to my Ministerial colleagues.

"I would encourage everyone to have their say and help to shape this support and deliver local solutions to local challenges.”

The Minister concluded: “I have asked my officials to work at pace on this area to develop consultation proposals to facilitate changes for the 2026/27 rating year.”

This focused consultation will run for eight weeks and then will close for responses on January 29 in order to continue to facilitate any changes in time for the 2026/27 rating year.

For more details visit:

www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/

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