Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:57 pm on 1 November 2016.
A number of businesses, particularly in rural areas, have been in touch with Plaid Cymru Members to discuss the impact of the increase that they’re currently facing—for example, a pub is facing an increase of 200 per cent. We are talking about thousands here. We have an example of the Vale Country Club, which arranges wedding in Ruthin, and their rateable value is going to increase from £9,600 to £23,000. The First Minister will understand, of course, the impact that that kind of change is going to have on that business and similar businesses. Is it perhaps an opportunity to look at the amount that he’s mentioned that’s been set aside for pro tem assistance, to ensure that we don’t see this staggering increase for some marginal businesses, in order to ensure that they don’t close because of these increases in business rates?