<p>Small Business Rates Relief Scheme</p>

Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:59 pm on 27 September 2016.

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Photo of Suzy Davies Suzy Davies Conservative 1:59, 27 September 2016

Thank you for that answer, First Minister. The Welsh Government’s decision to stick with its existing business scheme hasn’t received the reception you might have liked in your own constituency, First Minister. Traders are already vocal in the criticism of the highest business rates in my region, and perverse rates incentives to keep shops empty. In Bridgend town, in particular, they’re not very happy with the council that did its best to ignore the views of traders on how to increase footfall. Some now feel misled into believing that the Labour rates relief scheme would be different from business as usual, so what reasons can you give us for making the current system permanent instead of adopting Welsh Conservative policies around a differentiated multiplier and tapering relief to £15,000?