To ask the Minister of Finance (i) what assessment has been made of the financial impact of the pandemic on mechanics and repair garages; and (ii) why garages and mechanics were excluded from the latest round of COVID-19 support packages.

(i) The Department for Economy is responsible for economic support so that question is best directed towards that Department.

(ii) Garages were not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme as they were permitted to remain open as essential businesses through the most recent period of health restrictions. They are eligible now for the £5k top-up, if they qualified for the £10k Small Business Support Grant last year. Premises with a NAV not greater than £15,000 will be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief.