4. What is the Welsh Government doing to support the economy of Pembrokeshire? OAQ51834

The 'Prosperity for All' national strategy and the economic action plan set out the actions we are taking to improve the economy and business environment across the whole of Wales. 

Sadly, figures from the Local Data Company and the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods show that Milford Haven still continues to have the highest vacancy rate of retail premises in Wales. This, of course, has been a long-standing problem that desperately needs support. It won't surprise the Cabinet Secretary that business rates is one factor in preventing businesses from setting up in places like Milford Haven. In the circumstances, can the Cabinet Secretary tell us what discussions he's had with his colleague the Cabinet Secretary for Finance on this matter? Perhaps he can persuade his colleague to commit to reviewing the business rates system in order to look at things like the multiplier to ensure that small businesses aren't actually disadvantaged on our high streets.

I can assure the Member that the Cabinet Secretary for Finance is very alive to the concerns of businesses in Pembrokeshire, and in particular to the concerns that they have over rates. I will raise with him further the points that you have raised today. But I would say that, as a whole across Pembrokeshire, we've seen a significant increase in the number of enterprises operating in recent years. I believe that there's been an increase of something in the region of 10.6 per cent in the number of businesses in Pembrokeshire since the start of the decade. However, I do also recognise that new and existing businesses do face very difficult challenges, and I'll certainly raise the concerns that the Member has raised today in the Chamber with the Cabinet Secretary.

Last week, the First Minister announced that Valero will be investing in a £127 million project to create a combined heat and power cogeneration unit at their Pemrokeshire refinery. That project will help secure the long-term sustainability of the refinery and also secure over 1,000 employees, and help boost the Pembrokeshire economy and, for that matter, that of Wales.

I understand the Welsh Government has been working closely with Valero to help secure this crucial investment. Cabinet Secretary, would you agree that this investment clearly demonstrates the value of strategic enterprise zones like the Haven Waterway enterprise zone, which you have now agreed to extend?

Yes, I would, and I thank the Member for her question. I think it's fantastic news. Valero's £127 million project, I think, shows confidence in the Pembrokeshire site and in the wider Welsh economy. It's interesting that the refinery is one of only six remaining refining businesses in the UK and it's located right at the heart of the Haven Waterway enterprise zone. It demonstrates how, by working together, we can secure employment within a valuable sector for many, many people. Something in the region of 1,000 people rely on work at this particular site. I'm delighted that we've been part of this positive news for the region.

Darren Millar is not here to ask question 5 [OAQ51849]. Therefore, question 6, Mick Antoniw.