<p>Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople</p>

Part of 2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:50 pm on 25 January 2017.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:50, 25 January 2017

Well, in terms of business rate relief, this is obviously something that’s in the hands of my colleague, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, but what I am pleased with is that the scheme is to be extended for 2017-18, and that a new permanent scheme will exist from 2018 onwards. We’re already providing something in the region of £98 million in rate relief to businesses in 2016-17. I think it’s worth noting, because you made the direct comparison with England, that around 70 per cent of businesses qualify for relief, and around half of all eligible businesses pay no rates whatsoever.