WQ83610 (w) Tabled on 18/10/2021

What support is the Welsh Government offering to families and businesses affected by the ongoing closure of the A465, particularly in the run-up to Christmas?

Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 28/10/2021

Business Wales can provide information and support to business owners in Wales on a wide range of topics including accessing business finance and skills and training. If anybody would like to learn more about the help that may be available, you can contact the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 6 03000 between 8:30 – 5:30 Monday – Friday or online via https://businesswales.gov.wales/contact-us.

Whilst I appreciate concerns of local residents and local businesses, unfortunately there is no statutory provision to enable the Welsh Government to compensate local residents, commuters or businesses for inconvenience, loss of trade or profit resulting from road improvement or maintenance.

Where a highway authority carries out works under statutory power or duty, and performs these works properly, there is no legal liability on the authority for loss of business. Neither does the Welsh Government have the power to make ex gratia offers of payment or compensation for trade disturbance.

We recognise the disruption such roadworks can have on businesses, local residents and the travelling public and project teams ensure that roadworks minimise disruption to the community.