The Boris Johnson government has announced a £355 million package to help Northern Ireland businesses from the costs of trading with the rest of the United Kingdom. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said £200m would be spent on a Trader Support Service (TSS) to help firms handle new bureaucracy to move goods across the Irish Sea.
It is reported that an additional £155mn will be spent on digital technology to streamline processes required by the new internal border created by the Northern Irish protocol. It comes as a part of the Brexit deal that aligns the region to the UK customs territory and the EU customs code. Essentially, all businesses sending goods to the area from Great Britain, will have to make formal declarations for the first time.
Gove will also announce £300mn in funding for the Peace Plus programme. “Today's £650mn investment underlines our absolute commitment to the people and businesses of Northern Ireland as we move towards the end of the transition period,” he said. Gove added, “As we continue to engage with businesses, and our discussions with the EU proceed, we will update these resources to ensure that traders are ready for the end of the transition period.”
Set to start next month, TSS will give free advice to companies and complete import declarations on their behalf, passing the administrative burden to officials and the taxpayer.
