Following the news that the UK Government is providing an additional £270 million to the Welsh Government, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged Welsh Ministers to look to provide support to those businesses who are already experiencing difficulties.
The doubled funding support comes from the UK Reserve and is on top of that announced at the Autumn Budget 2021, with the amount to be kept under review. Last week, Janet called for the establishment of a targeted Cancellation Compensation Fund for those hospitality and tourism businesses in Wales who are already struggling as a result in a change in consumer behaviour.
Welcoming the support, Janet said:
“Underlining the strength in the union of our nations, the UK Government has consistently stepped up to the plate throughout the pandemic, providing over £9 billion of COVID-19 support for Wales. As the Omicron variant prolongs the impact of this pandemic, I am pleased that the administration in Westminster will continue to deliver through financial measures and vaccines.
“Whilst the doubling of the funding support recognised the evolving severity of the situation, to keep Welsh jobs safe this festive period, businesses need extra cash urgently. This is why I continue to press for Welsh Ministers to provide support to those businesses who are already experiencing difficulties.
“With support being put in place to assist with the post-Christmas restrictions, it is vital that the Welsh Government recognises that consumer behaviour is now already changing as a result of cautious rhetoric. As a significant wave of cancellations continue to hit our hospitality and tourism industries, it is vital that the Welsh Government steps in and saves the industries.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
