Retail NI slams suspension of rural ATM rates relief scheme
15 January 2019
The suspension of rural ATM rates relief in Northern Ireland is costing small retailers an extra £130,000, according to Retail NI.
The scheme, which provided rates relief on external ATMs for more than 70 independent retailers in rural areas, has been suspended as a result of Stormont not meeting.
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI chief executive, said: “This is a completely unacceptable situation, with rural independent retailers receiving additional rate bills of up to £8,000 on top of already high business rate costs.
“The suspension of this scheme is a direct result of Stormont not meeting to pass an annual technical vote to approve this rate relief, costing an additional £130,000 for struggling small retailers in rural areas. Small businesses are now directly paying the price of the inability of the political parties to secure agreement and form a government at Stormont.”
Roberts added: “With so many bank branch closures in rural towns and villages in recent years, our members’ ATMs provide an invaluable service to their local communities.
“There is a real danger our members could start to remove these ATMs unless urgent action is taken to restore this rate relief scheme. Retail NI has always taken the view that ATMs should not receive a separate rates bill.”
Spar retailer Ruairi McKeagney, who is based in Tempo, County Fermanagh, said: “I was shocked to receive an additional rates bill of £8,000 out of the blue for my ATM.
“This will have a serious knock on effect on my business and sadly I have decided to close my ATM on completion of my contract as it has become unsustainable.”
