Northern Ireland's local council Mayors and Chairs 2020/21

Local councils in Northern Ireland have begun to announce their new Mayors/Chairs and Deputy Mayor/Deputy Chairs for 2020/21.

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council - AGM delayed until September

Ards & North Down Borough Council - Cllr Trevor Cummings (DUP) / Cllr Nigel Edmund (DUP)

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council - Cllr Kevin Savage (SF) / Cllr Kyle Savage (UUP)

Belfast City Council - Ald Frank McCoubrey (DUP) / Cllr Paul McCusker (SDLP)

Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council - AGM on Monday 8 June

Derry City & Strabane District Council - Cllr Brian Tierney (SDLP) / Ald Graham Warke (DUP)

Fermanagh & Omagh District Council - Cllr Chris Smyth (UUP) / Cllr John Coyle (SDLP)

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council - Cllr Nicholas Trimble (UUP) / Cllr Jenny Palmer (UUP)

Mid & East Antrim Borough Council - Cllr Peter Johnston (DUP) / Cllr Andrew Wilson (UUP)

Mid Ulster District Council - Cllr Cathal Mallaghan (SF) / Cllr Meta Graham (UUP)

Newry, Mourne & Down District Council - Cllr Laura Devlin (SDLP) / Cllr Harold McKee (UUP)

Matthew Howse, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland writes about what the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill means for NI Businesses

Matthew Howse, Partner, Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland Belfast

There are decades when nothing happens and weeks when decades happen. This certainly seems the case in terms of Insolvency reforms. The UK Government’s long-awaited Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill had its first reading in Parliament last month and will return tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds will bring a motion to the Assembly today, to approve the amendments to assist companies in financial difficulties. 

The Bill is an interesting mixture of temporary measures announced specifically to combat the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also more permanent measures included in the Government’s previous consultation from 2016. It includes a new statutory moratorium process, a new restructuring plan procedure, as well as temporary measures regarding wrongful trading and the presentation of winding up petitions. 

These measures are timely and may unfortunately become vital for many businesses in the coming months. Despite the unprecedented level of government support offered to businesses, not all will survive. Those that were struggling before Covid-19 are likely to be at higher risk.

By focusing on several provisions, the government is obviously seeking to provide a temporary shield to companies who are unable to pay their debts. The proposed moratorium, one of the permanent measures, seeks to give struggling businesses a 20-business day opportunity to consider a rescue plan, which will be extendable for a further 20 business days or, with creditor consent, up to one year.

Practically speaking, this will prevent enforcement of security, and the commencement of insolvency proceedings against the company, including forfeiture of a lease. For companies in distress, this would appear to be a helpful mechanism. However, it should be noted that ongoing liabilities during the moratorium period will have to be met and as such, it is probably only going to be appropriate for companies with sufficient cash or access to other funding. 

Also included is a new restructuring plan, again a permanent measure, which will allow struggling companies or their creditors to propose a plan, the aim of which is to provide an alternative rescue. This plan will enable complex debt arrangements to be restructured and will support the injection of rescue funding. It is worth noting that the restructuring plan is likely to be quite complex and expensive. Therefore, it is unlikely to be a practical solution for small SMEs who are in distress. This new procedure is not dissimilar to the existing “scheme of arrangement” which is a statutory legal process allowing a company to restructure its debt - the distinct difference with this new plan is that it can be sanctioned by the court, at discretion even if not all classes of creditors vote for it, subject to certain criteria. 

Furthermore, the government hope to introduce temporary provisions to effectively void statutory demands served on a company between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 and restrict Winding-Up Petitions to 30 June 2020. The idea behind these temporary measures is to prevent aggressive creditor action against otherwise viable companies struggling because of Covid-19.

Additionally, the Bill provides a temporary suspension of the wrongful trading regime to remove the threat of personal liability for directors (in relation to wrongful trading only). The suspension is to apply until 30 June 2020, but in the event that the impact of the pandemic on businesses continues beyond the end of June, the suspension to the wrongful trading regime could be extended for up to a further six months. Although, directors may not be liable to contribute to losses in this period, losses incurred in the periods before and after Covid-19 remain a factor.

These proposed changes are wide-ranging in scope. It will only be over time that we will fully see and understand the impact that these will have on businesses throughout Northern Ireland. Ultimately, the fewer businesses that are forced to rely on the provisions included within this Bill, the better.

Planning and transport top of the agenda at NILGA meeting

Cllr Stevie Corr, Chair, NILGA’s Place-Shaping and Infrastructure Network

NILGA’s Place-shaping and Infrastructure Network held a virtual meeting today to discuss the future transport plans for Northern Ireland, the changes to policy required, how the current epidemic has heightened the focus on sustainable transport and the collaboration required with local government to deliver the transport infrastructure of the future.  

Councillors and officials also discussed at the meeting how the epidemic has impacted on planning across the 11 councils areas, the steps being taken to mitigate the impact of COVID – 19 on the planning process, and how public participation in planning is being supported at the current time.

The meeting was virtually attended by Liz Loughran, Director of Transport Policy, Department for Infrastructure and Angus Kerr, Chief Planner for Northern Ireland.

Speaking following the meeting, Councillor Stevie Corr, (Belfast City Council) Chair of NILGA's all council Place-shaping and Infrastructure Network said:

“This was a welcome and timely opportunity to engage with leading departmental officials on the future of the region’s transport policy and planning systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to transform our public transport infrastructure and create greener, more sustainable communities. Out of the crises of the coronavirus can come a healthier public transport system. By designing town and city centres to accommodate increased walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure, we can protect our climate, public health, and our communities.

“Engagements like this morning’s meeting ensure that local government’s voice is amplified and made clear to leading central government officials. By co-designing policies and working together to shape our villages, towns, and cities, we can build healthier and happier communities.

“We discussed how councils have reacted and adapted flexibly to the COVID-19 crisis and ensured that the planning process is affected as little as possible throughout the lockdown. We also considered the development of pragmatic solutions and innovative approaches such as the potential use of drones for site visits.

“It is crucial that decisions on planning continue under the current circumstances and councils have been working hard to ensure that vital decisions continue to be made. Public participation and citizen feedback is a key part of the planning process and councils have adapted quickly to ensure that people can continue to take part despite disruption to events like public consultations.”

Derry Chamber reacts to Executive lockdown easing

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber

Reacting to the Executive’s announcement that some large retailers will be allowed to open from 8 June provided the R-number remains below one, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:

“We welcome this afternoon’s announcement that some larger retailers – like car showrooms, electrical shops, furniture stores, and animal grooming businesses -  will be allowed to reopen from 8 June, provided the R number remains at a safe level.

“Reopening and rebuilding our economy safely will require careful, calculated steps like these and it is welcome that businesses can now begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel. This announcement also gives these business owners time to prepare for reopening and adapt their stores, If necessary, to accommodate social distancing. I would encourage the Executive to provide more clarity over the future of other, smaller retailers in the coming days and communicate clearly to these businesses when and how they can begin to trade again.

“However, the news that hotels can now take advance bookings, but without a date of when they can reopen to guests, is contradictory. This will frustrate many hoteliers and lead to confusion within the wider hospitality sector. More clarity is needed over whether this will happen as soon as the end of July – as is planned in the Republic of Ireland – or whether it will be at a later date.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 1 June 2020

Forward Look

• First Minister, Arlene Foster MLA, has announced that some measures contained in Step 2 of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan can begin from 8 June. This will included; hotels taking advanced bookings, outdoor marriages and civil partnerships with 10 people or less can take place, and outdoor sports courts will also reopen. The First Minister said that the Executive will meet on 4 June, and if the ‘R’ number is below 1, some non-essential retails units will be able to open on 8 June also. These will include; car showrooms, phone shops, furniture shops and electrical stores.

• Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA, warned the Assembly that five Executive Departments could run out of money before July due to the expense of the COVID-19 response. He introduced a technical mechanism to the Assembly which will mean they will approve any future spending through a Vote on Account.

• Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA, announced Covid patients in NI will be treated with the anti-viral medication, Remdesivir. International studies of the medication show that it can shorten recovery time of COVID-19 by around four days.

• The Department of Finance stated that Domestic Rates Bills will be sent to households following a freeze during the first stages of the pandemic. 

• Ulster University have suspended face-face lectures for the next academic semester. Online classes and lecturers will take place until Christmas to ensure social distancing measures work. Queen’s University stated that it will combine face-to-face teaching in small groups and online lectures from September.

• Economist, Paul MacFlynn of Nevin Economic Research Institute has told the Economy Committee that the NI Economy will face a second wave of unemployment when the Furlough Scheme ends. He said the level of unemployment will depend on public health guidance for sectors such as hospitality and tourism.

• Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, has asked SAGE to review the two-metre social distancing rule in order to ease the reopening of shops and bars. He told the Commons Liaison Committee that he expects a response before 15 June. At a press briefing on Monday he said open air markets and car showrooms will open from Monday 1 June, with all other non-essential retail to open on 15 June in England.

• DUP Alderman Frank McCoubrey is to become Lord Mayor of Belfast on Monday. Cllr Paul McCusker, SDLP, has been announced as the Deputy Lord Mayor of the incoming term.

• From Monday 1 June, two plenary sessions a week will return to the Assembly.

• The Budget (No.2) Bill will reach the Further Consideration and Final Stage at the Assembly on Tuesday 2 June.

• Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA, and Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young, are to brief the Health Committee on Wednesday 3 June.

• MPs are due to return in person to Parliament on Tuesday 2 June, following the UK Government removing the ability to vote remotely. Over 70 MPs, including the Chairs of most select committees, have written to Parliamentary officials, voicing concerns that in-person voting will break social distancing rules and make for unsafe working conditions.

• The Economy Committee have launched a Call For Evidence into the UK Government’s Trade Bill 2019-2021. The Committee are asking people to send their views on the bill to committee.economy@niassembly.gov.uk. The Trade Bill can be found HERE

• SONI will brief the Economy Committee on the Energy Strategy on Wednesday 3 June.

• The 11th Annual ‘New York-New Belfast’ Conference will be held online on 12 June. Confirmed speakers include members of the US Congress, New York’s state legislature and City Council, those leading New York’s political and medical response to the virus, and NI Executive Ministers and local MPs. For more information and registration click HERE

• A study to be published in the upcoming book, How Ireland Voted 2020, found that Sinn Féin were much more dominant on social media than the other two large parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael during the General Election. The Study found Sinn Feín engaged with voters much better, with 567,020 interactions on Facebook from 4 January to 7 February, where Fianna Fáil had 49,358 and Fine Gael had 55,152 over the same period.

Other Stories This Week

• First Minister, Arlene Foster MLA, has told the Assembly than an internal audit will be carried out by the Finance Department into the data breach which revealed the names of more than 250 Historical Institutional Abuse victims. Following calls for Interim Victim Advocate, Brendan McAllister, to resign, the First Minister also told the Assembly that the process to appoint a permanent HIA Commissioner has begun.

• The Executive Office Committee heard that airports and ports will have to be scaled up to meet EU Trading laws when the Brexit transition period ends. TEO Director of International Relations, Andrew McCormack told the Committee that preparations for Brexit need to be dealt with urgently following attentions being diverted due to Coronavirus.

• Minister of State for Scotland, Douglas Ross MP, has resigned from the UK Cabinet following the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor, Dominic Cummings, refusal to resign after he was revealed to have broken lockdown measures and travelled to his parent’s home in Durham. The Commons Liaison Committee heard evidence from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, who stated following Mr Cummings press conference on Monday, no further comment is needed on his actions and he would not be calling on Cabinet Secretary, Sir Mark Sedwill, for an inquiry.

• The NI Fintech Envoy, Andrew Jenkins, briefed the Economy Committee on Wednesday on the huge potential for the sector in the coming years.

• Councils have called for more funding to be given to small and micro-businesses to recover from COVID-19. Representatives from NILGA told the Economy Committee that Councils will be the first responders to local businesses during the next phase of Covid, and more support will be required from the Executive to ensure economic regrowth.

• Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, has announced £360K in funding for the aquaculture sector. The funding package is aimed at supporting aquaculture businesses who have experienced a drop in sales due to COVID-19.

• Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, has appointed five new members to NI Local Government Officer’s Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC). Paul Francey, Joan McCaffrey, Antoinette McMillen, Michael Rafferty and John Tohill will sit on the Committee for a term of 4 years.

Consultations

• Energy Strategy Micro Inquiry NI Assembly Economy Committee. Deadline 29 May

• Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s past: The UK Government’s New Proposals NI Affairs Select Committee. Deadline 1 June.

• Consultation on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Department for the Economy. TBC.

New York and NI Covid-19 pandemic response leaders lined up for transatlantic summit

Representative Kathleen Rice (D, NY-04)

New York – New Belfast Conference goes online for first time

A major transatlantic conference celebrating and forging links between Belfast and New York will move online this year for the first time bringing together some of the senior leadership tasked with fight against the coronavirus in both cities.

The 11th annual ‘New York – New Belfast’ Conference will take place virtually in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on travel. Usually held over three days in New York City, this year’s free to access conference will take place on 12 June with thousands expected to log on.

The theme of this year’s conference will be ‘The Rebuilding Journey’, focussing in on how the two cities can recover from the impact of Covid19 and learn from their unique experiences in combatting the disease and its severe implications for citizens.  

Bringing together local Executive ministers and Northern Irish politicians with representatives from every level of government in New York State, as well as business, technological, and cultural leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, the conference is an opportunity to exchange ideas and plans for the recovery of societies post-coronavirus.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), 63rd District, and Chair of the New York State Legislature’s Transport Committee

• Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D, NY-4, Nassau County), US House of Representatives

• Tom DiNapoli, Comptroller, New York State

• Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), 25th District, New York City Council, and Chair Finance Committee

• Alison Metcalfe, Executive VP, USA & Canada, Tourism Ireland

• Michael J.Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, New York

Local political, business, and cultural leaders also confirmed:

• Conor Murphy MLA, NI Executive Finance Minister

• Gavin Robinson MP, East Belfast

• Paul Maskey MP, West Belfast

• John Healy OBE, Managing Director and Vice President, Allstate NI

• Jayne Brady, Belfast Digital & Innovation Commissioner, Belfast City Council

Launching this year’s conference, organiser Connla McCann, Director of Aisling Events, said:

“We are working in unique and challenging circumstances for this year’s annual New York – New Belfast Conference but I am proud that we have managed to curate a programme full of engaging and worthwhile sessions which will explore how Belfast and New York can emerge stronger from this crisis. From rebooting our tourism industry and keeping connections between our two cities open and thriving throughout the crisis to refreshing business links and exploring how our communities can react to the virus, the conference is an opportunity to hear first-hand from those leading New York’s medical, political, and business response to the pandemic.”

“Sessions will look at how we can rebuild our cities after the crisis passes, the role that tech companies can play in this recovery, how we can support our frontline workers leading the relief efforts, and financing the economic response. Recovering from this pandemic will require an immense societal effort and learning from other cities and populations will be key in taking the right steps towards rebuilding.”

New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice will participate in a panel discussion on ‘Rebuilding our Battered Cities’ and added:

“Year after year, the New York – New Belfast conference serves as an important event to promote collaboration and to strengthen the social and economic connections between our cultures.

“As we work to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, this type of engagement and information sharing will be critical to overcome this global crisis together. While we won’t be able to gather in person, I have no doubt this year’s conference will be successful once again and lead to a valuable exchange of knowledge and best practices.”

Registration for the conference is free but attendees are encouraged to donate to the conference’s Covid-19 appeals raising funds for healthcare workers: Meitheal in New York and the Robin Hood Appeal in Belfast. To register and for full programme information, visit www.aisling-events.com. 

Fintech Envoy tells of ‘huge potential’ for Fintech Sector in Northern Ireland

Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland

HM Treasury appointed Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Andrew Jenkins has said the sector has the potential to create a significant number of jobs in the coming years in Northern Ireland. 

Jenkins was giving evidence to the Stormont Economy Committee on Fintech in Northern Ireland in which he outlined the bourgeoning sector, its rapid growth potential, and the challenges which it is currently facing due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Fintech is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy, encompassing innovation in financial services including digital banking, payment technologies and crowdfunding platforms. Some of the most active areas of Fintech innovation include Blockchain technology, Cybersecurity, AI and RegTech.

During lockdown, the role of Fintech has come into sharp focus with many people making online transactions at home, companies investing in e-commerce and people buying from websites / signing up for products from financial institutions. All of which is enabled by Fintech. Growing out of the Financial crisis in 2008, Fintech has shown that it can quickly adapt to meet the needs of business and consumers in a safe and swift manner. 

Northern Ireland is regarded as a world-renowned driver of the Fintech sector and has been named as one of the leading global Fintech locations of the future, in the 2019/20 fDi league table alongside cities including Singapore, New York and London. 40,000 people in Northern Ireland are employed across the financial and professional services with 1 in 4 of these employed in technology roles.

In recent weeks, several major investment and job announcements have been made in the Fintech space by Riskonnect, Cygilant and Vox Financial Partners.

Speaking after briefing the Economy Committee, Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland said:

“As we begin to plan for the economic recovery and developing an economy that is future proof, Fintech must be central to this. The resiliency, adaptability and innovation at the heart of the Fintech sector will be crucial for our economic prosperity in the coming period and I was particularly encouraged by the Committee’s understanding and desire to advance the Fintech agenda.”

“The announcement by three different Fintech companies in recent weeks of new jobs is really encouraging and shows that our sector can not only sustain jobs but create them and therefore we must harness this potential.”

“Interestingly, one of the recurring reasons investors give for investing in Northern Ireland is the talent on offer. There is no doubt we have some of the most talented and skilled people coming through our excellent colleges and universities, but we have more to do if we are to reach our potential. By focusing on this area and building a truly diverse and inclusive sector there is no doubt that we will remain a global leader for many years to come.”

He added:

“Despite all of this, it is important to acknowledge the effect Covid-19 has had on the Fintech start-up community particularly around Peer-to-Peer Lending, Retails Investments and SME Lending. This has been a difficult time all round and now more than ever we need the government to recognise the challenges being faced by these innovators and risk takers who are the future of our economy.”

“As Fintech Envoy, I made it clear to the Committee that I was committed to dedicating my time to signposting businesses to the funds and sources of finance which are required to start up, grow and develop. Only by working in collaboration will we be able to reach our true potential.”

Charities have been left behind by Executive, says Third Sector chief

Nora Smith, Chief Executive, CO3

The body representing Northern Ireland’s charity and voluntary sector has accused the NI Executive of acting dangerously slow in the release of vital funding as local charities and voluntary organisations inch closer to financial meltdown.

CO3 Chief Executive Nora Smith today blasted the Department for Communities for delaying a scheme meant to alleviate some immediate pressures within the third sector. The Department for Communities Covid-19 Charities Fund was announced on 7 May but, so far, no further information, eligibility criteria, or application process has been published.

A recent survey by CO3 and the Institute of Fundraising illustrated the dire straits that charities and voluntary organisations have found themselves in due to the coronavirus pandemic. Over three-quarters of charities have reported serious financial difficulties and they have been cut off from many previously announced government support schemes.

Nora Smith, CO3 Chief Executive, said:

“Charities and voluntary groups in Northern Ireland have been the afterthought throughout this crisis and they feel increasingly left behind. While hundreds of millions of pounds have been committed and released to businesses across Northern Ireland, the third sector has been left to fend for itself. Continuing to prioritise business over people will be absolutely disastrous for our society.

“We are now ten weeks into this pandemic with no clarity about how groups in our sector can get help. There are over 45,000 third sector jobs in Northern Ireland and a lot of them are at stake. We need to see details and eligibility criteria for the £15.5m Charities Covid Fund as soon as possible. 

“Jobs are being lost. Key services which help the most vulnerable in our society are being lost. And, ultimately, lives could be lost, if significant funding and support isn’t directed towards our charities immediately.

“We have proposed simple and straightforward support measures to save our charity sector – releasing funds that have been set aside to help those charities facing the biggest funding threats, amending the furlough scheme to allow charity staff to volunteer back into their organisations, establishing a Stabilisation Fund as has been done in Scotland, and setting up a Third Sector Resilience Fund.

“We have been in regular contact with departmental officials on these issues and proposed solutions, but now is the time for action or many charities face imminent collapse.” 

Councils can drive post-coronavirus economic recovery, Assembly told

Alderman Stephen Moutray, Chair, NILGA’s Economy Network

Local council areas can be drivers of economic revival, skills development and growth beyond Covid-19 if they are properly supported, MLAs have been told.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE NI) at Stormont’s Economy Committee this morning highlighted that councils have been at the forefront of providing small business support during the coronavirus crisis. They urged the Executive to ensure that local government is empowered and co-funded to drive the regional, post-pandemic recovery.

The impact of Covid-19 on local government has been devastating, with many districts already considering service reductions amidst losing around £10.5m of income a month due to lockdown closures of off-street car parking, leisure, and tourism. However, the response to business recovery has been locally diligent and a major priority for all 11 councils.

Speaking after briefing the Committee, Alderman Stephen Moutray, Chair of NILGA's Economy Network said:

“All 11 local councils in Northern Ireland have been working tirelessly throughout this crisis to deliver support, guidance and advice to small businesses and local companies. Councils have provided tailored mentoring on business continuity, resilience, financial planning, HR support, and moving to digitalisation of services. There are positive examples of councils who have assisted in sourcing and procuring PPE for key workers, ensuring suppliers are paid promptly, helping rural businesses by quickly processing development grants, and guiding businesses to move their services online.

“Our councils have been locally responsive, intelligent and adaptable to the unique needs and circumstances of their areas. Economic development teams across the country are responding quickly to business needs and concerns, but their resources and capacity are stretched. The coronavirus presents a serious danger to local businesses and the vitality of towns and villages across Northern Ireland. Government interventions like offering rates relief to most businesses for 12 months, amending and extending the furlough scheme for a longer period, and widening the self-employment support scheme would be enhanced measures to protect our local economies.

“It’s time for a transformation in our economic landscape and that means better ways for central and local government to interact and foster economic development. By working together and co-designing recovery plans, we can protect small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and maximise high value sectors like AI, health and life sciences, fintech, and robotics.

“Local government can drive the post pandemic economic recovery across Northern Ireland, if given the right resources. Currently, councils only hold 5% of the public purse yet we will be on the front line of the economic rebuild. There is an opportunity to change how government and public services are carried out in Northern Ireland. We have the chance to develop a joined-up, locally-driven, one-public-purse approach to the economy which promotes sustainable development, addresses economic inactivity, promotes healthier and happier communities, and embeds entrepreneurship, the green new deal and innovation as core skills.”

Derry Chamber reacts to Finance Minister's announcement on rates relief

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber

Reacting to the news from the Finance Minister of further rates relief measures, Paul Clancy, Chief Executive of Londonderry Chamber said:

“We are pleased to hear that the Finance Minister is extending rates relief for all businesses until the end of July and that he will extend targeted rates relief for hospitality, leisure, tourism and some retail businesses until the end of March 2021.

“These measures are absolutely necessary to protect as many local businesses as possible and it is only right that those businesses who are unable to trade, should not be required to pay rates at this time. These measures will no doubt give many businesses a fighting chance and help save more jobs.

“Additional rates relief measures for City of Derry Airport will also help us preserve vital connectivity between the north west and other regions.”