Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government – in the Senedd at 1:42 pm on 23 June 2021.
Well, thank you, Minister. That's reassuring, because Wales's businesses have warned me in no uncertain terms that they fear collapse. Many of them fear collapse unless more financial support is given now by your Government. And, with that in mind, it makes no sense why the Government is perhaps choosing to leave—. Well, I hear what you said, that business won't be left behind, but we're looking forward to seeing some of that support come forward sooner rather than later. The very recent research that we found from the Wales Fiscal Analysis suggested that there's roughly £500 million—and excuse me if I've got that wrong—in unallocated COVID-19 funding, which could be used to kick start Wales's financial recovery by extending the business rate freeze beyond the financial year—which is a great thing, don't get me wrong, but to extend it further—and perhaps with additional incentives. So, Minister, it's also imperative that our businesses are able to bounce back post pandemic. So, what are you going to do to ensure a long-term sustainable financial recovery for businesses and communities?