Recently in Aberconwy, businesses such as retail, hospitality, have had huge drops in revenue, due to the increase of energy costs, business rates, and food and drinks costs.
Our tourism businesses have been put under immense strain by the 182-day threshold, introduced by Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru, as part of their cooperation agreement. These policies have caused further worry businesses who have been unable to reach the target. Or for those have reached the target on when they will receive the business rates relief.
In Wales, the economic inactivity rate of 24.5%, compared to the UK average of 20.8%. The unemployment rate stands at 5.4%, compared to the UK average of 5.1%. Average footfall in Wales has decreased by 0.4%.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has called for vital businesses to be supported and for business rates for small businesses to be cut, stating that by supporting these essential businesses, it will strengthen the Welsh economy.
Following this, Janet commented:
“A strong economy is essential for ensuring that people have jobs, services are being provided, and investment is being attracted. For too long, the Welsh Labour Government, propped up by Plaid Cymru especially during the co-operation agreement, has been seen as anti-business.
“Businesses in Wales, especially our vital tourism and hospitality businesses, have been impacted by the policies of both the Welsh Labour, supported by Plaid Cymru and UK Labour Governments. This has seen prices for food and drink increase, as well as National Insurance contributions for employers. All of this has led to businesses, such as shops and a historic hotel, closing.
“This is unacceptable, and immediate action needs to be taken to fix our economy, support our small businesses, and attract more inward investment opportunities. The Welsh Conservatives have outlined plans to scrap business rates for small businesses to incentivise growth and have called on the Welsh Labour Government to do the same.
“We need to attract more investment, support businesses, create jobs, and ensure that we reduce the skills gap. It is only by doing this that we can help rebuild and strengthen the Welsh economy.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS