Mid Wales Growth Deal

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 28 September 2021.

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Photo of James Evans James Evans Conservative 1:41, 28 September 2021

Thank you, First Minister, for that. Across mid Wales and Brecon and Radnorshire, we have the largest amount of small and medium-sized businesses in the whole of the country, which is a true testament to the hard-working people of our rural communities, who are the powerhouse of the Welsh economy. Many business owners I speak to across Wales always raise the issue with me of business rates. With the business rate holiday coming to an end next year, many businesses have told me that they would like to have a rethink of business rates and that we need a level playing field across the United Kingdom. For example, in England, businesses have 100 per cent rate relief for the first £12,000, compared to only the first £6,000 in Wales. That's a £6,000 difference that could make a huge difference, with employers being able to give more money to staff, to give them more money. So, First Minister, will you now follow the announcement that was made at the UK Labour conference and abolish business rates in Wales for small businesses so our businesses can then fire up the Welsh economy?