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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:12 pm on 20 May 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 3:12, 20 May 2020

Well, can I first of all say that the UK Government's announcement regarding small bed-and-breakfasts that pay council tax is based on an extra £617 million, of which I believe we have not seen a consequential, and so trying to replicate a scheme of that nature in Wales without UK Government funding would not be affordable. Perhaps Mark Isherwood could convey his disappointment about the lack of the resources that have been available to Westminster. However, I can confirm to bed-and-breakfast operators that, if they are VAT registered and employ people, they are eligible for the economic resilience fund, and they will be eligible for the second phase of the economic resilience fund. As I said in response to others and as I outlined in my statement, we're determined to make sure that we take the opportunity of the second phase of the economic resilience fund to establish a bursary—a hardship bursary—to capture any individuals or businesses that risk collapsing as a result of coronavirus. But, as I also said to other contributors, our financial resource is finite, and we have to use that money to keep businesses alive where it is a sole or majority income for the owners and for their employees. We won't be able to support all leisure businesses, I am afraid. We have to prioritise money to those businesses that need it the most. 

In terms of social businesses, they are also eligible for the economic resilience fund and, indeed, I believe more than 1.5 per cent of awards have been made to social businesses—higher than the proportion of social businesses as a total of the economy as a whole, demonstrating our commitment to that particular sector.