More support needed for small businesses and freelancers

Welsh Liberal Democrats have today called for an upfront premium grant to small and micro-businesses in Wales, as well as to freelancers, to help them through the next few months in light of the latest lockdown measures.

Small and family-owned businesses are set to suffer significantly with the double whammy of Brexit and the new Covid lockdown, with experts are predicting closures could extend into the spring.

Many small and micro-businesses in Wales are either ineligible for Welsh Government support or are receiving so little it prevents them from becoming financially stable in these uncertain times.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:

“Each successive lockdown hits business harder, with few having recovered their resilience from the last lockdown. The effect is cumulative - recovery from each closure takes longer. Much of the support business receives has so far been in the form of loans, which will need to be repaid eventually.

"There is a big issue of long-term resilience for firms, many of which are generations old, as well as getting businesses through the immediate crisis. This is a huge threat to our local high streets. Welsh Liberal Democrats want to see thriving towns and villages; but there is a real danger that many communities across Wales will be hollowed out, as local shops, cafes and pubs have to close.

“Most of the support from the Welsh Government so far has been targeted at businesses with medium to high levels of staff and many small and micro-businesses are struggling. Many of whom aren’t getting the support they need as they pay small or no business rates or operate from home/small and mobile premises.

“Small businesses, micro-businesses and family-owned businesses are the lifeblood of Welsh communities and the Welsh economy. They employ people, ensure our vulnerable are looked after and are the beating hearts of our Welsh communities.

“The lockdown decisions are needed to save lives, but the Welsh Government needs to urgently put measures in place to save our communities. We want a premium payment upfront, in addition to the support already announced, for small and family-owned businesses.”

Comments

Lib Dems Propose New Bill to Protect Welsh Farmers

The Liberal Democrats have proposed new legislation to protect Welsh farmers from being undercut by food trade deals that do not meet the UK’s environment and animal welfare standards. The plans, set out in a private member’s bill from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Farron MP, would require the government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of any new trade deal on UK farmers, and guarantee that MPs had the final say on trade deals initiated by the government. This would include an assessment of the impact of new trade deals on farming communities in each region and nation of the UK. Farron’s Bill comes after concern was raised by farmers unions and the Welsh Liberal Democrats that the Government’s new trade deal with Australia will not include a Welsh-specific impact assessment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP Commenting on his...

A recall petition has opened to decide if a Tory MP convicted for a false expenses claim will keep his seat.

Chris Davies tried to split the cost of photographs between two office budgets by faking invoices , when he could have claimed the amount by other means. Brecon and Radnorshire voters wanting to sign the petition will be able to do so until Thursday 20 June in six locations in the constituency. A by-election will be held if 10% of the electorate - 5,303 voters - sign. Mr Davies would be able to contest a by-election, if one takes place. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed the recall petition last month , after Mr Davies was given a community order of 50 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine, at Southwark Crown Court. In a statement, Mr Davies has apologised to his constituents for "making such an error", saying he very much hopes to continue serving Brecon and Radnorshire. Constituents can sign the petition at venues in Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Presteigne, Ysytradgynlais, Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell. Apart from Spring Bank ...

Welsh Lib Dems voice support for Flintshire lagoon plan

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have voiced their support for the Flintshire Tidal Lagoon project unveiled by Port of Mostyn. The plans published would see a 6.7 kilometre lagoon, stretching from the breakwater at Mostyn to Point of Ayr in Flintshire, constructed to produce renewable green energy. The project, with a price tag of £590 million, would see enough low carbon electricity generated to power 82,000 homes in the north of Wales. It would also create around 300 jobs during the construction phase, with up to 30 high-skilled permanent posts after it was completed. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long championed Tidal Power, leading the campaign for the Swansea Tidal Lagoon and calling for major investment in renewable energy sources to power a green recovery post-Covid. Chris Twells, Lead Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for North Wales, said: "As we leave lockdown and begin to look towards the future, we need to be ambitious and be investing in the jobs of the ...

Welsh Liberal blogs

Search This Blog