2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:17 pm on 20 March 2018.

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Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative 3:17, 20 March 2018

My first question was actually asked by Mr Nick Ramsay, and eloquently you answered it.

My second one is, actually, one of my constituents walked into my office and the local council asked him to make—. Because his business is not doing very well, after 30 years he wants to close it down, so he went to the council and the local council said, 'If you shut the shop, you have to pay the full rate, but if you keep the shop open, you'll pay half rates.' Is it the case that Caerphilly council is doing in the area for the rates? Could you ask your local government Minister to explain why these businesses who are struggling to survive, for the rates and everything, and why they're having such knock-on effects? When they are in business, they have to pay half rates, but if they are not in business, they've got to pay full rates for the properties.