The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (24 November) spoken of her concern about the Welsh Government’s business grant application process and has written to the Minister for Economy to ask if he would consider implementing a Wales-wide grant appeals panel where decisions can be challenged and scrutinised. 

The third phase of the Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) opened on 28 October but closed prematurely the following day. Many local firms say that they were still chasing quotes and bank statements at the time of the closure, as this evidence was required in the application process.  

Commenting, Janet said:  

“In recent correspondence, Ken Skates wrote that, to ensure fairness to all, applications that haven’t followed the issued guidance are rejected. Whilst this may seem fair on paper, the reality was the many firms submitted an application in haste so as to beat the scheme’s premature closure. This means that many local firms were still organising evidence when forms were submitted. 

“This was a race against the clock, with applicants allowed only 20 minutes to complete the questions on each page and asked to instantly provide various supporting documents for their application. However, despite the Minister’s claims of fairness, the BBC say some business have been allowed time to provide their evidence after submitting their application form.  

“The Welsh Labour Government cannot be allowed to cherry pick which applications can follow the rules, whilst providing leniency to others. The entire process must be fair and transparent. Instead, businesses have been let down by lack of consistent and clear communication.  

“I have now written to the Minister for Economy, expressing my belief that there is an urgent need for his department to establish a Wales-wide grant appeals panel where decisions can be challenged and scrutinised. My hope is that such a panel will be able to consider the varying and unique situations that many local businesses face.” 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:  

• Janet has previously spoken of her concern about the strain on Business Wales, calling for regular updates to be provided to the Welsh Parliament, which you can read by clicking here.  
• Janet has also called for the establishment of targeted support for hospitality and tourism businesses in constituency’s like Aberconwy, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. You can read more by clicking here. 

Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS