The Economy of Rural Towns

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:30 pm on 16 January 2019.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 1:30, 16 January 2019

We've seen, of course, an increase in the number of retailers who have gone into administration. I think it's up 6 per cent since 2017, and, of course, we're hearing that it's been quite a tough Christmas for businesses on the high street. Now, we need a major transformation in retail and in the way the high street operates and presents itself, particularly more challenging, I'd imagine, in rural towns than many other places. People won't stop buying; I suppose it's the way that they spend their money that's changing. But how is the Government helping those retailers, particularly in rural areas, to respond to those changes and challenges, and what are you doing to support them in that transition so that we can retain, at least, or even increase the footfall, and that we can maybe provide the enhanced shopping experience that some people are looking for?