Tomos Dafydd Davies has called for a relentless focus from the Welsh Government on supporting small businesses across Mid & West Wales bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the best of society - from the countless acts of compassion and volunteerism in our local communities, to the selfless public service of our admired NHS and key workers.
But the events of the past few months have also highlighted the fragility of the Welsh economy.
Now, more than ever, we require a relentless focus from Welsh Government on growing the economy and backing small, local businesses.”
With many businesses across Mid & West Wales already reeling from the devastation afflicted by the pandemic there is palpable fear that many hoteliers, landlords and small business owners will once again disproportionately bear the brunt of the imposition of a post-Christmas lockdown by Welsh Government.
Commenting, Tomos Dafydd Davies said:
Many businesses will be gathered around their kitchen tables agonising whether to permanently close or to fight another day in the hope that lockdown restrictions will soon be eased.
With the devastating effects of Covid-19 continuing to take hold, it’s more important than ever that we back business and support local jobs and livelihoods across Mid & West Wales.”
Tomos Dafydd Davies has called on the Welsh Government to:
- Abolish business rates altogether for small businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000.
- Establish a £250 million Coronavirus Community Recovery Fund to support communities and high streets hardest hit across Mid & West Wales.
- Extend its financial support package for the hospitality and tourism sectors, which have particularly been hit hard across Mid & West Wales, until June 2021.
- Double the funding made available to re-train and upskill young people who have lost a job during the pandemic.
Tomos Dafydd Davies said
Wales is a nation of SMEs and we must ensure that we create a climate in which these businesses can re-bound, invest and hire new staff as we emerge from this wretched pandemic in 2021.
As many businesses across Mid & West Wales enter a bleak and uncertain winter, we need an economic blueprint that will give renewed hope and economic optimism as we enter the new year.”
