The Budget's Impact on North Wales

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 2:07 pm on 8 January 2020.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 2:07, 8 January 2020

(Translated)

Thank you for that response. You’ll be aware, I’m sure, that I have a number of hydro energy schemes in my constituency, and I’ve raised this with you on a number of occasions in the past. There is grave concern in the sector, of course, about the situation of business rates—non-domestic business rates—and the impact that that will have on the sector. There have been calls and consideration has been given to changing the methodology for calculating the level of taxation, or there’s the grants scheme that’s been available from the Government to assist these hydro schemes with those payments, which will come to an end at the end of this financial year. There’s no assurances as to what the next financial year’s arrangements will be, and that throws a cloud over the sector and creates uncertainty. Having listened to you say how much you’re doing for the environment and tackling the climate emergency, it does raise a question as to why you haven’t been able to give a response and assurance to the sector before now. So, could we hear an update on this and can you give me an assurance that you will do everything that you can to safeguard this sector from the impacts of having to pay this tax in full?