What discussions is the Welsh Government having with businesses that have not received the full financial support available, or no support because they do not meet the necessary conditions, to discuss how it might support them during the restrictions and to thrive afterwards?
Throughout the pandemic, I have and my officials have had extensive and regular discussions with business representative organisations, including roundtable discussions with automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, haulage, accounting and banking sectors. The most recent meeting with business representative organisations was on 18 March.
I have also met major retailers, including those not eligible for business rate relief.
The Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism and I also have regular meetings with the tourism and hospitality sectors to discuss the pandemic, restrictions and business support.
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip met Excluded UK on 17 December. We continue to press the UK Government to be responsive and responsible in terms of supporting those who fall through the gaps of the UK support schemes.
The Minister for Finance and I wrote to the Chancellor on 19 January urging it to provide further certainty and clarity for businesses and individuals by assuring that further support will be available and that existing schemes will not be withdrawn before the economy is ready.
The Welsh Government’s comprehensive package of support has been designed to be affordable within the available funding we have. We will continue to do all we can to support Welsh businesses through these incredibly difficult times.
On 23 February, we announced an additional £270m for the Development Bank of Wales’ Flexible Investment Fund. This means more than £500m will be available through the fund, up to 2030, to support the long-term success and growth of firms in Wales, helping to create and protect thousands of Welsh jobs. https://developmentbank.wales