Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS - the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – has today (27 January) urged the Welsh Government to explain why certain local tourism businesses have been blocked from accessing the Sector Specific Fund, given that “some Conwy accommodation providers have effectively been in lockdown since 1 October 2020.” 

Underscoring the need for a review, last week, a local business owner told Janet:  

“We are approaching breaking point now… We have taken all available measures to keep our outgoings to an absolute minimum but our monthly overheads are simply too great for us.” 

Commenting on the need for further targeted support, Janet said:  

“Local accommodation owners are contacting me stating that they have been blocked from accessing the Welsh Government's Sector Specific Grant, as they previously benefited from the Self Employment Income Support Scheme. This is greatly concerning. 

“Some Conwy accommodation providers have effectively been in lockdown since 1 October 2020. Many small businesses, such as our guesthouses and B&Bs, are facing spiralling fixed costs that cannot be avoided. Yet, barriers remain to accessing the grants required so that they can remain afloat.  

“With this in mind, I have urged the Minister for Economy to review the criteria so that a fair and level playing field is provided. If this cannot be achieved under the current Fund, targeted support must be guaranteed to prevent a prolonged economic crisis in North Wales.” 

ENDS 

Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS