Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:02 pm on 22 April 2020.
Thank you, and can I send my deepest sympathies to Mohammad Asghar's friends and family? It's a terrible time at the moment. I've heard many, many stories of people I work with losing loved ones. It is a tragic period, and it is very painful for those who are financially stretched. That is precisely what the discretionary assistance fund was set up to help people with—people who cannot afford to make ends meet in ordinary times, but in this period, of course, it is especially difficult.
I know the First Minister took questions earlier today regarding the costs associated with the loss of life for families. I think it's important to note that the DAF is probably the most suitable channel of support for individuals in that position.
And, then, with regard to the standard letter that is being issued, I'm afraid that standard letters are being issued because of the speed of response that's required right now, and the need to minimise administration and bureaucracy, so that we can ensure that as many people as possible in the development bank and Business Wales, and Welsh Government and so forth, are actually at the front line administering and delivering grants and financial support.
Criteria for support should be very, very transparent to everybody now, whether it's through the development bank, or whether it's online, provided by Business Wales, through the coronavirus portal. I would urge you, and any businesses that approach you, to first of all look at the criteria that is published online, and if there are then subsequent questions that need to be answered, then please do e-mail me.