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LABOUR MUST HELP SMALL BUSINESSES MEET BUSINESS RATES- WILLIAMS
January 28, 2009 3:58 PM
Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Roger Williams MP, has challenged the Labour Government to stand up for Welsh Retailers, during Welsh Oral Questions.
"The small independent Welsh retailers that are so important for maintaining the quality of experience in market towns throughout rural Wales are often the forgotten sector of the Welsh economy.
"In the present economic downturn, high rents and particularly high business rates are proving fatal for these small businesses.
"None of the initiatives by the Government tackle the burden of business rates and I call on the Secretary of State to work with the Welsh Assembly and his Treasury colleagues to find a mechanism of reducing this financial drain.
NOTES:
The exchange between Mr Williams and Wayne David MP went as follows:
Mr. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Market towns are a key component of the local rural economy across Wales, and they have maintained a range of quality independent retailers, which make them attractive not only to the people who live there, but to tourists and visitors. Town centers with closed shops and pubs are very unattractive, however. As our thoughts turn towards the spring and Easter holidays, will the Minister intervene with his colleagues in the Assembly-and, indeed, in Westminster-to find ways of reducing the burden on these businesses, particularly in respect of business rates? The Government come forward with new initiatives day by day, but will the Minister now stand up for the retailers and shopkeepers of rural Wales?
Mr. David: Indeed, we stand full square behind small enterprises generally, and in particular retail businesses. The business rates issue has been looked at, and the Government nationally and in Wales are doing everything possible to help. We can be absolutely certain of one thing: we will do everything possible to help people get through this difficult period. I must say, however, that I am impressed in all sectors of the Welsh economy, including the one the hon. Gentleman refers to, by the determination and commitment of the people of Wales. It is very important that we reinforce the determination to get out of this economic downturn as quickly as possible, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will work closely with us to achieve that.
The full text of Welsh Oral Questions can be found at: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/01.htm#hddr_9
Roger Williams will be sending out a business survey that he has worked out with Vince Cable, to businesses within the constituency.
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