Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 3:00 pm on 11 May 2022.
Thank you. DBW will continue to make capital available for start-up businesses and microbusinesses, as the Member has indicated. He may also be aware that we provided specific funds to help start-ups in a range of sectors, not just in town centres but a range of others too. We're committed to continuing to do so. When it comes to the broader challenge of high streets and town and district centres—for those of us who have an interest in cities, there are many district centres that are in many ways equivalent to town centres in other parts of the country—the Deputy Minister for Climate Change has established a town centre delivery group and in a recent meeting we've made sure that we joined up the work that he is leading on in that area and his responsibilities for regeneration together with the coming launch of a retail strategy that brings together trade unions and, indeed, businesses themselves. So, retail is part of the answer but not the only answer for ensuring that we have vibrant town and district centres, and that's why a 'town centre first' principle is an important consideration within this. So, I do welcome this recognition that there is some good news in this space, but I think there's more to be done to ensure there really is a vibrant future for our towns and communities around them.