UUP Finance spokesperson Leslie Cree has welcomed the passing of the Rates Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly today.
Speaking in the chamber Leslie said:
“The stages of this Bill have come thick and fast due to accelerated passage, however, I am satisfied that I have had some opportunity to highlight a number of points which the Ulster Unionist Party wanted to raise and I have sought clarification from the Minister on several issues.’
“The fact that amendments were brought by the Minister at both consideration and further consideration stage proved that this Bill was very much a work in progress as it passed through this House. If we are to be totally honest it could have done with the increased scrutiny and timescale afforded to the normal passage of a Bill but, as has been raised before, it was necessary to have the Bill completed in time for the incoming financial year.’
“The Ulster Unionist Party is fully behind the rationale of the Bill and we will be supporting it today. The proposals contained within the Bill will have a positive effect on small and medium sized businesses and will also help to rejuvenate town and city centres which are struggling at present.’
“I hope that the proposals in the Rates Bill will help rebalance the Northern Ireland economy through the promotion of small and medium sized businesses. I would also stress that they should be considered as a suite of policies to do so.’