Welsh Conservatives have renewed calls for immediate efforts to help small businesses and ease the financial pressures they face.

In an opposition debate on Wednesday March 14th, the group will call for business rates to be scrapped for all small businesses with a rateable value of up to 12 thousand pounds and tapered for those with rateable values of between 12 and 18 thousand pounds.

Small businesses across Wales are still waiting for the findings of an on-going business rates review. The Welsh Government said this would be published by the end of February but now claims the review’s findings will be announced “shortly”.

Welsh Conservatives strongly believe urgent action should be taken in the interests of small business support and economic growth.

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:

“In terms of getting the economy moving, business rate relief is one of the strongest tools at the Welsh Labour Government’s disposal.

“It’s a simple, straightforward and uncomplicated way of putting money back into business bank accounts and allowing it to be spent on staff and development.

“SMEs are the lifeblood of the Welsh economy and require the very best support available. At the moment, that is not forthcoming.”

Shadow Minister for Business, Nick Ramsay AM, said:

“This policy is about immediate relief for small businesses and instant help for the Welsh economy. It would be an ideal way to stimulate enterprise births, rejuvenate local economies and give existing small businesses an opportunity to grow and prosper.

“Wales will continue to be reliant on the public sector until Labour gets its act together and makes constructive decisions on the economy.

“Helping small businesses survive and expand and making the option to become an entrepreneur a more realistic and achievable goal are critical to Wales’ economic recovery.”

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