South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has repeated calls for a speedy resolution of the European Commissions’ investigation into the Aggregates Credit Levy Scheme, and for the scheme to be re-instated as soon as possible with a rejection of any proposal for retrospective payments from local firms.
Ms Ritchie stated: “The Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme was vital to our local industry and to the wider construction sector, especially given the extremely difficult economic situation that has prevailed in the last five years. 
“I have received further assurances from the UK Treasury that they are ready to re-implement the scheme as soon as it is cleared in Brussels. Also vital is that the UK government resist any attempt to retrospectively recover payments made under the previous scheme. Such a measure could potentially devastate the local industry and would be completely unfair and disproportionate given the legitimate expectations and understanding of firms benefitting from the scheme in good faith.
“I would urge the Northern Ireland Finance Minister, together with the UK government, to put pressure on the Commission to resolve this issue to give our industry the vital support it needs,” added Ms Ritc hie.]]>
