2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:32 pm on 21 September 2021.

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Photo of Cefin Campbell Cefin Campbell Plaid Cymru 2:32, 21 September 2021

(Translated)

Trefnydd, will the finance Minister make a statement updating Members on what steps the Welsh Government is taking to get to grips with the concerns of those businesses that failed to access financial support, adequate support indeed, during the pandemic, and that are now facing difficulties, particularly those that have fallen between the cracks? One of those businesses is a shop owner in Carmarthen, who took the opportunity to do some work on their business and to undertake repairs when her tenant moved out. As soon as they were ready to rent out the property again, the first lockdown started and they couldn't find someone to rent the shop. They now face a business rates bill of thousands. Now, of course, businesses have received business rates relief over that period, but because the property was empty, the individual concerned failed to receive the same support. 

So, has the Government undertaken an assessment of how many businesses are in similar positions, and would the Minister consider providing financial support in these particular cases? Thank you.