SDLP Economy spokesperson and Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
The deputy chair of Stormont’s economy committee also expressed anger at the Department for the Economy’s failure to engage with businesses who have applied for Coronavirus Business Support Scheme payments, but have been refused.
Standard letters (see below) have been sent to businesses and MLAs who have asked for explanations for rejected financial support applications.
“This is just not good enough,” said the Foyle MLA.
“Businesses that believe they meet the criteria for support payments yet have been refused are trying to understand why the payments they need have been refused. And as an MLA I am trying to find out why firms in my constituency have had their claims rejected.
“But instead of being given proper explanations, we are just being fobbed off with standard letters, without any explanation. This has now been going on for months and I have raised this repeatedly in the economy committee. I know that MLA colleagues are just as frustrated as I am.
“While I realise that administering these schemes is extremely difficult, it is essential that minister Diane Dodds and her department recognise that for many businesses these payments, and the efficient administration of the schemes, is the difference between their survival and their failure.
“I fear that some firms will collapse through no fault of their own, but because the administration of financial support is just too slow and unresponsive.
“It is essential that the Department for the Economy takes this crisis for many firms more seriously.
“It must urgently establish a proper and effective appeals process for businesses that have had their Coronavirus Business Support Scheme rejected,” she added.
