To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any assessment has been made of the report by the Independent Coffee Collective, Why UK Coffee Shops are Struggling.

I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around rising business costs. In January, together with the Minister of Finance, I met with Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme for local hospitality businesses. Following that meeting, both the Minister of Finance and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss these VAT proposals.

My Department, along with Invest NI and Tourism NI, provides a broad range of support to businesses to help them be more competitive through energy efficiency, innovation, skills, and exploring new markets. I am also committed to engaging with the local hospitality sector to understand the issues they are facing. My Department does not offer sector specific support for independent coffee shops.