8. Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of business rates relief grants for the not-for-profit sector during the Covid-19 pandemic? OQ55353

Yes. The Welsh Government is providing £1.7 billion to help businesses and not‑for‑profit organisations in Wales during the coronavirus outbreak. This includes over £875 million for grants related to non-domestic rates. All not-for-profit organisations that meet the eligibility criteria will receive a grant of either £10,000 or £25,000.

Thank you for your answer, Minister. If I can put, perhaps, an example to you of a not-for-profit childcare provider in Machynlleth in my constituency, with a rateable value of £12,000. They've contacted me to say that the vast majority of their income comes from charging fees for looked-after children as opposed to donations. They say that they are not eligible for the business rates relief grant—either the £10,000 or £25,000 rate—because they have received 100 per cent rate relief as a charity.

Business Wales seems to suggest that not-for-profit organisations and childcare providers that qualify for the 100 per cent small business rate relief should receive the £10,000 grant. So, there is some, I think, confusion as to why this particular business is excluded. Are you able to provide any clarification today on how the business rate relief grant scheme should work for the charitable and not-for-profit sector?

As I say, they have been included in our non-domestic rates related grant scheme. So, perhaps if you write to me with that specific case, I can look into it to make sure that we provide the correct advice.

I thank the Minister.

That brings our morning's session to a close. We will reconvene at 14:15, and just to remind Members that they need to be present in the session for me to be able to call them for questions. So, make sure that you keep your cameras on if you are in the session, otherwise I can't see you to know that you are there to be called.

So, I will see you all at a quarter past two.

See you at 14:15.

Plenary was suspended at 13:28.

The Senedd reconvened at 14:15, with the Deputy Presiding Officer (Ann Jones) in the Chair.