Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:55 pm on 1 December 2021.
Well, I'm very pleased to hear, Minister, that you're having ongoing discussions with the business community, and I hope that will continue over the next few weeks in the run-up to Christmas. Now, in the same ministerial scrutiny session with the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee, you also said that the pandemic recovery in business terms has certainly not been complete yet, but it's a matter of discussions between yourself and the finance Minister about the sort of support the Welsh Government will be able to provide businesses in the future.
Now, as you'll be aware, next Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and I hope, Minister, you'll be out sampling and enjoying everything our small businesses have to offer. Wales's small businesses are still in a precarious position, and the new variant could threaten that, as it's winter and we know that COVID-19 thrives in indoor environments. Now, in Scotland, a £25 million fund for ventilation of businesses was established and organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses have called on the Welsh Government to consider doing the same here in Wales. So, Minister, ahead of Small Business Saturday, can you give us an update on the discussions between yourself and the finance Minister in relation to business support, and in particular whether any decisions have been made regarding business rates? Secondly, can you tell us what short-term assistance the Welsh Government is offering to businesses to make their settings as safe as possible during the winter months, including a potential ventilation fund, as has been established in other parts of the United Kingdom?