Conservative Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, has highlighted the importance of small businesses and the Welsh high street to our economy. During a debate at the National Assembly for Wales, she outlined the need for the Welsh Government to provide the right support to allow our local businesses to thrive. She said:

"Our high-streets and small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, which is why it is so imperative that action be taken right now to ensure their continued survival as a mainstay of the Welsh economy.

"Over recent months we have seen the high street shop vacancy rate increase to nearly 1 in 5, this is a tragic development and is having a damaging effect on the wider economy of local communities.

"The Welsh Government needs to extend business relief to those who take over the lease of empty shops for a longer period to enable them to reinvigorate our local communities. Business rates in general, as they currently stand, present a huge burden on small businesses, if they were reduced it would allow them to grow and take on additional employees, cutting the unacceptable levels of unemployment in Wales.

"I urge the Welsh Government to act now to breathe new life into our local communities."