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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 1:59 pm on 10 June 2020.

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Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative 1:59, 10 June 2020

Right. Small bed and breakfasts, already referred to, are a mainstay of many local economies across north Wales—real small businesses providing essential income for their owners. They're eligible for a business grant in England. After I questioned you three weeks ago about Welsh Government support for them, they told me they found your comments condescending and insulting. I then wrote to you, stating that they and the local economies they help to support are looking to you for help before it's too late. In your reply, you stated that the eligibility checker for the second phase of economic resilience fund for new applications will open mid-June. They responded, 'I understand there may be a glimmer of hope with the new economic resilience fund. So, fingers crossed, we may all have a new option then.' What have you therefore got to say to them now that they've told me, quote, 'According to the checker, our business is still not eligible'?