Clwyd West AM Darren Millar is calling on the Welsh Government to ensure that small business in North Wales get a similar level of support to that being provided to small businesses in England by the UK Government amid the Coronavirus crisis.
In this week’s Budget, the Chancellor outlined measures to address the concerns and emerging needs of small businesses arising from the Covid-19 virus and its potential wider impact on the UK economy.
However, a number of the measures, including the proposed £500million hardship fund, the proposal that those businesses qualifying for 100% rate relief could claim a £3,000 grant for support and the announcement of additional business rates relief measures for pubs and other businesses within the hospitality and leisure sector, fall within the devolved competence of Welsh Government.
Darren is therefore calling on those in power in Wales to commit to a similar level of support for small businesses in North Wales.
He said:
“The Coronavirus outbreak is an extremely worrying time for us all, but particularly so for our small businesses for who there is so much at stake.
“They are the backbone of the Welsh economy and deserve support at the best of times, not least during this current crisis.
“The Federation of Small Businesses Wales have already written to the First Minister asking for measures to be put in place to help small businesses across Wales and highlighted within that letter that smaller businesses are already feeling the impacts of the Covid-19 virus. With predictions that the situation will get a lot worse before it improves, it is therefore vital that the Welsh Government provides our small businesses in Wales with the help they need to get them through this.
“There are many fantastic small businesses here in Denbighshire and Conwy, and it would be totally devastating if we were to lose any of them due to this crisis”.