HARDSHIP SCHEME IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Motion Text

That this House recognises that the cost of electricity in Northern Ireland is 50 per cent. higher or more than in other parts of the UK; notes the fact that firms, particularly many manufacturing firms, will be unable to pay an additional rates burden the Government intends to impose in introducing a hardship scheme; and calls upon the Government to ensure that the scheme is flexible, user friendly and designed to assist those firms that otherwise would be intensely competitive and potentially offer greater employment opportunities to people in Northern Ireland.