The Empty Premises Rate Relief Scheme has been extended for another year, until 31 March 2016.

The scheme was introduced to bring long-term empty premises back into business use.

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton praised the scheme.

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He said: "The Empty Premises Rate Relief Scheme is a success story in bringing empty shops back into use, helping to regenerate our villages, high streets and shopping areas."

The scheme offers a 50% rate relief for up to a year, once retail premises become occupied. The concession applies to any business ratepayer who moves into premises, which were previously used for retail purposes and have been unoccupied for 12 months or more.

(CD/JP)