An AM has lambasted the Welsh Government on its failure to honour its pre-election pledge to ease the financial burden on small businesses.
Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, questioned the First Minister’s woeful record in supporting Powys businesses during weekly questions in the Senedd.
Mr George, who is also the Welsh Conservative Spokesman on the Economy, accused the Labour Party of deliberately misleading the public over its business rates pledge.
After questioning the First Minister, Mr George said:
“Before the Assembly Election in May, Labour candidates were touring Powys committing to lowering businesses rates for small firms.
“However, nothing could be further from the truth and Powys businesses will be furious to learn that instead of the tax cut they were promised, many small Welsh firms now face a dramatic hike in their bills, breaking a key pledge in Labour’s manifesto.
“The power to set business rates is one of the most significant tools that the Welsh Government has at its disposal to support small firms.
“Business rates remain a huge financial burden for small businesses and the recent revaluations have come as a sledgehammer blow to many rural firms.
“I’ve had shop owners in Newtown and Welshpool contact me stating that they will have to close as a result of the high business rates being proposed. Business owners are asking me why Wales cannot have the same level support as equivalent business across the border in England.
“A tax cut for these firms would have mitigated against the impact of revaluations, and provided a much needed shot in the arm to the Mid Wales economy.
“Instead, small businesses are facing an uncertain future and I very much hope that businesses don’t go under waiting for the Welsh Government to bring forward a permanent package of support.”