Rates move welcomed

He said: “I am pleased with the decision by the Minister of Finance & Personnel Sammy Wilson to increase the Small Business Rate Relief for businesses with a NAV up to £15,000 for a discount of 20% from there rates bill from April 2013. This is an increase from £10,000 this year.”

He continued: “As a local representative who met recently with the Minister Sammy Wilson along with Council colleagues, the Chamber of Commerce and LCCM and put the case for a reduction in the SBRR, I am pleased that he has listened to what we had to say and has introduced the reduction in rates for another 3,500 businesses in Northern Ireland. This is proof that local democracy is working for local people.

“I, along with my colleagues, will be doing all we can to help businesses work their way through this difficult trading period. I would urge the residents of Lisburn to spend their money this Christmas within our City and help our local businesses.”