Amendment 1—Jane Hutt

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To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized businesses to the success of communities and the wider Welsh economy.

2. Notes the vital importance of cross-government policies that support businesses on Welsh high streets to thrive and grow.

3. Recognises the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting high street retailers and other businesses by providing more than £200 million of funding in 2017-18 to support around three-quarters of ratepayers in Wales through rates relief.

4. Acknowledges that in 2017-18, more than half of all businesses across Wales pay no rates at all.

5. Notes the Welsh Government’s intention to put in place a permanent small business rate relief scheme which is simpler, fairer and better targeted towards growing businesses in Wales from April 2018.