Political parties ‘need a more ambitious vision on business support’

11 May 2023

The political parties need a more ambitious approach and a strong vision for supporting business in their local government manifestos according to Neil Johnston, Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium.

The call came as the NIRC published its Policy Agenda for the NI elections. The industry’s recommendations cover business rates, regeneration, recycling, and relations with business.

“Local government affects nearly every business in Northern Ireland – through the non-domestic rates. What business needs to see now is a commitment to freezing business rates. Following the impact of the covid pandemic, the energy price shocks, and persistent inflationary pressures business needs to know that the political parties understand the need for an immediate freeze and a long-term reduction.

“Nowhere is that more needed than in retail. Council candidates and political parties all know that thriving town centres and a strong retail offer are at the heart of vibrant towns and communities.

“Yet we have heard very little about business rates in this election campaign unfortunately which suggests the parties are lacking vision on business support.

“We also must judge the parties on their past performance as actions speak louder than words. It is fact that when the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton Harris maintained a freeze on the regional rate at a local level, councils let business down.

“The average increase in the non-domestic rate set by the eleven councils this year is 7.29%. That amounts to a significant increase in costs for our members – who are strongly represented across every town in Northern Ireland.

“The retail industry is well represented in Newry, for example, where sadly the Council increased their part of the non-domestic rates by a chunky 11.53%. 

“NIRC is calling on all the parties to declare, before polling day on 18^th May, that they will support the freezing of business rates – and in the longer term seek the lowering of ‘poundage’ or multiplier to bring it more in line with GB”.

For media enquiries:

Northern Ireland Retail Consortium

Neil Johnston
T: 07483 325870
E: neil.johnston@brc.org.uk