Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:11 pm on 20 May 2020.
In England, small bed-and-breakfast businesses are already eligible for a business grant, but the Welsh Government still excludes these businesses in Wales. A fortnight ago, the finance Minister told me you look forward to making an announcement, but you failed to do so today. How, therefore, do you respond to desperate bed-and-breakfast businesses in north Wales asking me to try and get answers from you now, or they will otherwise have to decide whether to cease trading this month?
A fortnight ago the Welsh Government announced that small charities within the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors will receive a £10,000 COVID-19 business grant. Today the Business Wales website is still saying,
'More details on how to apply will be on the website shortly.'
What is your response, therefore, to the charities and social businesses telling me they have numerous bills to pay and hope this financial help may come sooner rather than later?