Thousands of farmers set to benefit from £15m fund
Letters of Offer for a £15million investment scheme have started to issue to thousands of farmers, Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed.
The third tranche of Tier 1 FBIS Capital attracted over 3,800 applications. This tranche of Tier 1 will support smaller scale investments to improve the sustainability of farm businesses, with a particular emphasis on businesses investing in Low Emissions Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE).
Minister Lyons said: “I am delighted that Letters of Offer have started to issue for the third tranche of Tier 1 FBIS Capital. I am very encouraged by the willingness of our farmers and growers to invest in the sustainability of their businesses, and particularly in Low Emissions Slurry Spreading Equipment.
“Not only does this fund immediately benefit farmers, it also has a lasting and positive impact on our environment, using up to date methods and technologies to help farmers develop their agriculture business into one that’s more sustainable and environmentally aware. It will also have a knock-on benefit for local agricultural and horticultural supply businesses and contribute to the NI economy.
“With £15million funding available for this
tranche, Letters of Offer will continue to issue over the next weeks until the budget is fully allocated.”The Letter of Offer will enable farmers to progress to the next stage of their project. It is important that farmers complete and return their Form of Acceptance as soon as possible and no later than 28 days from the date of the Letter of Offer.
Road resurfacing scheme for Doagh Road, Newtownabbey
The works, which extend for a distance of approximately 0.51 kilometres from Monkstown Avenue to Cherrylands, will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of the road and the upgrading of approximately 1km of existing footway will greatly enhance provision for pedestrians.
To facilitate the works, it will be necessary to operate lane closures with traffic control in place starting at 7.00am on Monday 15 February 2021 and running daily until 6.00pm on Friday 16 April 2021.
Local access for residents and emergency services will be maintained at all times.
The Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public. During the works some delays should be expected. Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative routes which will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure.
Completion of the work by 16 April 2021 is dependent on favourable weather conditions. The Department will keep the public informed of any change. All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.
For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: www.TrafficwatchNI.com
Economy Minister calls on businesses to apply for UK Trader Scheme
Economy Minister Diane Dodds has called on eligible businesses to apply for the UK Trader Scheme before the end of February.
Most businesses are using the Trader Support Scheme to complete customs declarations. While they may be familiar with the first part of the customs process using this system, it is vital that they now prepare for supplementary declarations. It is this declaration that will outline how the business will handle tariffs.
The UK/EU Trade and Co-Operation Agreement (TCA) only removes tariffs on goods that meet the rules of origin of the agreement. This means that businesses must plan ahead as to how to handle tariffs on these declarations.
There are three options for securing zero tariffs on goods moving from GB to NI:
- Declaring goods not at risk by applying for the UK Trader Scheme
- Meeting the rules of origin requirements of the UK/EU TCA
- Claiming a waiver
Minister Dodds said:
“This applies to all businesses, big or small, registered for VAT or not. I know that smaller businesses may find this particularly challenging.”
The Minister continued:
“My advice is to prepare in advance by considering the information you will need and how you plan to handle tariffs. Training is available from Trader Support Service on supplementary declaration process. Invest NI and InterTradeIreland also continue to have a range of support on offer to businesses.
“It is vital that businesses plan how to handle tariffs on this declaration.”
Applicants to the UK Trader Scheme before the end of February will receive a provisional authorisation which will enable them to declare goods not at risk while their application is being considered. This provisional authorisation will last for up to four months. While businesses can still apply after the end of February, they will not be able to declare goods as not at risk until their application is approved. This could lead to delays for businesses.
Ministers Dodds said:
“I would urge any business that is buying from GB or thinks they will at any time in the future to look at the eligibility for the UK Trader Scheme and apply if they meet the criteria. I would particularly urge non-essential retail and hospitality businesses who are closed due to Covid regulations to consider this issue.
“Applying before the end of February will mean that businesses are less likely to experience disruption in purchasing from GB as they will be granted a provisional authorisation while their applications is being considered. I would therefore urge any eligible business to apply before the end of February, even if you are unsure of when you will purchase from GB.”
The Minister also noted that consumers continue to be impacted by GB retailers charging more for shipping to NI or refusing serve to NI consumers.
She said:
“I continue to urge UK Government to take some action to address the issues around availability of delivery to NI from GB retailers. It is clear that the grace period on customs has not resolved this issue.
“If this becomes our new normal, it is the poorest in our society who will suffer. That is why I believe UK Government needs to present concrete proposals as to how to build a functioning e-commerce market that benefits all consumers in the UK.”
£190 million will enhance health services
Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the reallocation of funding to help boost PPE stocks and enable capital projects to move forward.
The reallocation of funding has been made possible due to a concession by Treasury to waive the normal budgeting treatment for Covid PPE stock this year.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I welcome the move by HM Treasury and that they have recognised the need for exceptional measures this year, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The changes made by the Treasury will allow my Department to spend £175m in this financial year on PPE supplies that can be used in the 2021/22 financial year.”
Consumables such as PPE are normally counted as expenditure as they are used. The concession in relation to Covid PPE will allow stocks of PPE to build and to overlap financial years.
The Minister continued: “PPE is essential for protecting our staff and patients and this year more than ever it is vital that we continue to build on our stocks. The move by Treasury will allow my Department to spend the money in the 2020/21 financial year to boost supplies for later use. This will be significant in dealing with the cost consequences of the pandemic.”
The new funding comes from unallocated funding currently available to the Executive. The Department of Health had previously returned £90m of Covid-19 funding as the budgeting rules had prevented it from being spent on PPE at that time.
The Minister added: “This year’s health budget was boosted significantly by special emergency Covid allocations.
“These allocations were hugely welcome and important. But non-recurrent – one-off – allocations do not provide a basis for addressing the major structural problems afflicting health and social care – especially staffing and waiting times. We need a sustainable long-term fix for these issues and that cannot be achieved with here today, gone next year monies. I welcome the Finance Minister seeking further flexibility to carry forward funds into next year recognising the health pressures we face and his commitment to multi-year budgets. I call on Treasury to grant this flexibility and going forward to provide a multi-year Spending Review.”
Minister Hargey confirms further financial assistance for councils
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced additional funding of £2.435m to assist councils with their financial pressures.
The move is a further demonstration of the Minister’s commitment to supporting councils through the COVID-19 pandemic having already secured £85.3m in additional funding.
Minister Hargey said:
“My Department has worked closely with councils to support them through this pandemic, which can be seen in the significant sum of funding that has been secured to date. Over £85m is being used to support councils with the loss of income and additional costs they have experienced as a result of the pandemic restrictions.
“This further £2.435m in Rates Support Grant in 2020-21 will be of great assistance to councils at this time.
“I know the support secured to date has been welcomed across local government. I am committed to continuing to work together for the benefit of all the people we serve.”
A Rates Support Grant (RSG) provides financial support to eligible councils whose needs exceed their wealth as determined by statutory formula. Seven of the 11 councils are eligible. The seven councils have already received £15.865m of RSG for 2020/21. This announcement represents an additional one-off increase in RSG, bringing to £18.3m the amount of RSG issued in 2020/21.
Minister urges businesses to apply for Covid-19 grant schemes
Economy Minister Diane Dodds has encouraged Northern Ireland businesses to check if they are eligible to apply for her Department’s Covid-19 grant schemes.
The Department for the Economy has already provided more than £370million in lifeline support to over 30,000 businesses, and millions of pounds is currently being delivered to thousands more.
Minister Dodds said:
“The impact of Covid-19 meant this has been a very difficult year for our business community and that is why I want to provide financial support to as many businesses as possible.
“The grants have already saved thousands of jobs and are securing the future of businesses in a wide range of sectors right across Northern Ireland.
“I would urge all businesses to look closely at the eligibility criteria for all of the grants available to see if they can apply for help.”
The schemes currently open to applications include:
- The Limited Company Directors Support Scheme. A one-off taxable grant of £3,500 is available for company directors personally adversely impacted by Covid-19. This scheme closes to applications on February 18.
- The Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme is supporting businesses directly and indirectly impacted by the Health Protection Regulations. This could include driving instructors, mobile hairdressers, tour operators, dog kennel owners and people working in the wedding business. Eligible businesses will receive a grant up to £800 for each week the regulations are in place.
- The Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme is supporting those who commenced self-employment in 2019/20 and have been adversely impacted by Covid-19. Eligible applicants receive a one-off taxable grant of £3,500. Applications close 6pm, Friday 19 February.
- The Bed and Breakfast, Guest House and Guest Accommodation Support Scheme is providing financial support ranging from £1,000 up to £12,500. This scheme is open to applications until 5pm tomorrow (Thursday 11 February 2021.)
Information on all of the business support schemes and their eligibility criteria is available at nibusinessinfo
Murphy allocates £226.5 million including £175 million to protect frontline workers
The Executive has agreed further funding allocations of £226.5 million following bids from Departments.
Outlining the funding, the Finance Minister said: “These allocations includes £175 million to purchase additional PPE. This will bolster supplies and ensure the continued protection of frontline health workers leading the fight against COVID-19.
“Over £15.2 million of capital allocations will fund the purchase of medical equipment across cardiology, urology and radiology specialisms, and help procure licenses for digital health technology.
“£27.3 million is for the additional student support announced last week, £9 million is being allocated to the Forest Service and £42,000 of capital funding for the Commission for Victims and Survivors.”
Commenting on unallocated funding, Minister Murphy added: “I continue to discuss funding flexibility with Treasury and expect to carry forward any further funding provided into 2021-22. However, Treasury have advised this will not include flexibility in relation to the funding received before Christmas. It is therefore important this £200 million is now made available for reallocation.
“I continue to urge Executive Ministers to bring forwards proposals to use available funding, particularly for those who to date haven’t received support.”
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