MP calls for immediate financial support for Upper Bann business owners hit by flooding crisis
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Finance Minister to urgently release emergency financial support for local businesses devastated by recent flooding.
Affected business owners have been left with stock and equipment destroyed and premises badly damaged following days of heavy rainfall.
“This is a deeply worrying situation for businesses in our towns and villages. These are family-run enterprises, local employers and the backbone of our communities, and they have been left completely exposed.
"Stock has had to be relocated with some damage, equipment destroyed and livelihoods put at risk. Business owners are telling me there were no sandbags available when needed and nowhere to turn for financial support at a time when they are already under immense pressure.
"I do welcome the opening of the domestic support scheme through local councils, which will provide some help for affected households. That is the right thing to do. However, businesses also need urgent and targeted support.”
The Upper Bann MP said the absence of a business support scheme risks business survival.
"While support for households is important, it does nothing for the small businesses that are facing thousands of pounds worth of damage. These businesses are essential to the life and economy of our towns and villages, and they cannot be left behind.
"I am calling on the Finance Minister to make emergency funding available for businesses immediately, as has been done in previous flooding events. Delays will only deepen the damage.
"These businesses are not asking for sympathy. They are asking for practical, timely help. Immediate financial support is needed now to help them recover and keep their doors open.”