4. Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:55 pm on 20 May 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:55, 20 May 2020

Yes, of course, Dirprwy Lywydd. And for those businesses, we're looking at the establishment of, as I said a little earlier, a hardship bursary, which will require the support of local authorities who'll be required to administer such a fund. That requires quite a considerable amount of administration, and that's why we need to make sure that systems that are robust are in place before we hit 'go' on the scheme, which in turn explains the time frame that we're looking at.

Now, I'm keen to manage expectations and to underpromise and overdeliver, which is why I've said that the eligibility tool will be open by mid June. If we can bring that forward in any way, then we most certainly will do. I recognise that there's a need to act urgently. We've been doing that. We've got the most comprehensive and generous package of support anywhere in the UK. We are keen, in Government, to main our position as offering the best package of support for businesses. So, we'll do all we can to bring forward a scheme as soon as possible. But we also need to ensure that we do it in a way that takes account of the UK Government's bounce back loan scheme and, of course, the first round of awards that are being made from ERF.

But I totally accept what Russell George is saying, that we need to ensure that we give confidence to businesses that further support is going to be available, and we're going to capture as many of those business that fell through the gaps first time around, and have fallen through the gaps in terms of UK Government support, including the self-employment income support scheme and the job retention scheme.