Questions to the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
Support for small Businesses across Wales

Janet Finch-Saunders

Will the Minister make a statement on support for small businesses across Wales?

Edwina Hart

Yes. Wide-ranging support is available to small businesses across Wales through our Business Wales service and via a range of business rates initiatives. Our absolute focus remains on supporting jobs and the economy.

Janet Finch-Saunders

Thank you, Minister, and indeed for your kind attendance at the small shops cross-party group last week. The group certainly valued your input and your overall interest in the issues raised, and also for the letter that I’ve had since—no doubt in your response you will mention that. Local authorities maximising the use of parking charges for additional income on high streets was one of the matters raised, and questions around why this is always imposed on high streets, yet out-of-town developments have the luxury of having two-hour car parking free. All this does impact. There’s a feeling that planning authorities, when writing up applications for this—when it comes before a planning authority—should be considering this as a material factor. Do you support those aims, and how are you working with the local government Minister on the parking charges, and the planning Minister, in respect of those concerns?

Edwina Hart

Well, I indicated that, after I attended your meeting, I had the opportunity to speak to some ministerial colleagues, who were more than happy to provide officials with the small working group we want to form to look at, perhaps, some clearer understanding of what we could advise local government would be best practice. I’m sure those issues will be taken up.