Small businesses in Powys risk falling behind unless urgent action is taken to offer additional support, a Mid Wales Assembly Member has claimed.
In England, the Chancellor has announced that 600,000 businesses will pay no business rates whatsoever, as a consequence of reforms announced this week (Wednesday 16th March) in the UK Government’s budget.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George AM has outlined how the next Welsh Government must offer additional support to small businesses in Mid Wales.
It is a long-standing commitment of the Welsh Conservatives to cut business rates for all businesses with a rateable value to £12,000, and provide tapered support to £15,000.
Russell George AM said:
“For too long, Welsh Government Ministers have refused to provide sufficient support to Mid Wales’ small business community.
“This week’s announcement by the Chancellor is hugely positive news for small businesses in England – and the next Welsh Government must also be ready to provide small businesses in Wales with the help and support they need.
“To create jobs, and secure real change for our economy, Welsh Conservatives will abolish rates for small businesses with a rateable value up to £12,000, and provide tapered support up to £15,000.
“We would also provide support which will lift the burden on small businesses in rural Wales including free parking and simplified planning: these are just some of the additional proposals which Welsh Conservatives would implement to support small businesses across rural Mid Wales.”