West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

ATM's are a lifeline for rural communities - Doherty

Published: 1 March, 2010

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has highlighted the importance of Automatic Telling Machines (ATM's) to small businesses and people living in rurally dispersed areas. Speaking ahead of a motion in the Assembly calling for the continued exemption of rates for ATM's located in rural areas, Mr Doherty said:

'This particular scheme was introduced in 2007 for three years as part of a package of rural relief measures aimed at businesses in rural areas. During the intervening years, we have witnessed a huge downturn in the economy, which has had a particularly detrimental impact on small businesses in country areas.

'The call for this rates exemption to be extended has also been supported by key stakeholders, such as the Consumer Council. I also note that in October 2009 a policy evaluation for the scheme found that the number of ATM's in rural areas had increased by 16% from the previous evaluation. This statistic alone demonstrates the importance of access to ATM's for people living in such areas.

Mr Doherty continued 'The economic downturn has also resulted in an increasing number of people on benefits, many of which are paid electronically. As such, the ATM is essential for these people to access their benefits and entitlements.

'It is fair to say that ATM's in many ways represent a 'lifeline' for people who live in isolated areas. In most cases, the main banks are centralised in the provincial towns, which can make it extremely difficult for people who have mobility issues to engage in even the smallest of financial transactions.

'In recent times, small businesses have been hit hard, not only by the changing economic climate, but also by attacks on their premises. This pattern of ATM thefts not only impacts upon the business owner but also had a huge impact on rural communities. As such, I feel that it would be an additional blow to small businesses if DFP were to increase this burden by removing the current rates exemption'.

Notes:

Foe explanatory memorandum click: www.opsi.gov.uk/sr/sr2010/em/nisrem_20100017_en.pdf


ORDER PAPER
TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2010

The Assembly to sit at 10.30am
Marshalled List of Amendments

1. Prayers
2. Executive Committee Business
Final Stage - Budget Bill (NIA 8/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel

Motion - Rates (Exemption for Automatic Telling Machines in Rural Areas) Order (Northern Ireland) 2010
Proposed:

That the Rates (Exemption for Automatic Telling Machines in Rural Areas) Order (Northern Ireland) 2010 be affirmed.
Minister of Finance and Personnel

Motion - Draft Rates (Deferment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Proposed:

That the Draft Rates (Deferment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 be approved.
Minister of Finance and Personnel

3. Question Time

3.1 Culture, Arts and Leisure

4. Private Members' Business
Motion - Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy
Proposed:

That this Assembly calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to publish the long overdue Cohesion, Sharing and Integration strategy by March 2010; believes that publication would be an illustration of commitment to fruitful working relationships; and calls for the establishment of a dedicated Executive mechanism and a Standing Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 50(2), to encourage, monitor and scrutinise implementation of the strategy across all Government Departments.
Mr C McDevitt
Mr A Attwood
Mrs D Kelly

5. Adjournment