In reaction to the Welsh Government announcement that £1.3 million is to be given to local authorities to help bolster their ability to provide discretionary relief, Janet Finch-Saunders held Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, to account in the Senedd yesterday – encouraging him to work with local authorities to ensure there is 100% uptake of the money.

Janet said:

“Having put continuous pressure on the Welsh Government to increase support for small businesses following the Valuation Office Agency’s revaluation, I welcome the announcement that an extra £1.3 million is going to be made available to help with discretionary relief.

“However, this relief needs to be accessible. For example, a similar arrangement, the Local Needs Scheme, was made in 2014/15, but only 79% of the available money was awarded to businesses in need by local authorities.

“Given the huge pressure many business in Aberconwy are facing with business rates having increased as much as 80%, it really is imperative that the Welsh Government works with every local authority to ensure that the application process for the awards are straightforward and have a reasonable time frame so that not a single qualifying business is hindered from applying.

“Despite this extra investment, it should not be overlooked that it is a small drop in the ocean, and that in reality the Welsh Government could be doing more to support our businesses”.

ENDS

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Janet Finch-Saunders OAQ – Business Rate Support in Wales

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Welsh Government Grant Funded Business Rates Scheme

Rates shocker for Conwy and Gwynedd firms where bills will rise more than any other county in Wales