The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy and the Chair of the Cross-Party Group for Small Shops – Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS – has today (21 December) urged the Welsh Government to bring forward the opening of financial support schemes, so that Conwy businesses may bridge this period.
Commenting on the support needed for business owners and staff, Janet said:
“The situation is Wales is becoming incredibly serious, a fact reflected in the four nation discussions which have occurred surrounding the new variant of Coronavirus. With alert level four restrictions now brought forward in Wales, and a change to the arrangements for Christmas, an urgent review to the business support timeline must be undertaken.
“Whilst I welcome the announcement of a further £110m to support businesses affected by the new level four restrictions, it is essential that the Welsh Government looks to bring forward the scheme’s opening date so that Conwy businesses may bridge this period.
“Certainty and clarity of message is paramount. I urge the Welsh Government to come forward with new dates for the opening of funding support before Christmas. Whilst these restrictions are a public health necessity, the knock-on mental health impact of financial uncertainty and job insecurity cannot be understated.
“Given the tremendous responsibility that Business Wales currently bears, I also restate my belief that the Welsh Parliament should be provided with regular updates as to how the organisation is managing the huge businesses support responsibility.
“I share in my constituent’s disappointment over this news, knowing that many were looking forward to seeing their loved ones. However, in the face of the emerging evidence it is clear that Christmas arrangements must change to ensure as many people as possible will be around to celebrate this festive period together in the years to come.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
- The FM’s statement on Saturday can be found by clicking here.
- All other eligible businesses and those businesses, which did not register during the firebreak, will need to do so with their local authority in January with payment following soon after https://gov.wales/extra-110-million-support-welsh-businesses-affected-new-restrictions
- Janet stands ready to assist any constituent with a concern or query. Constituents may get in contact by emailing Janet.Finch-Saunders@Senedd.Wales.
