Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts and Mid and West Wales Member of the Senedd Helen Mary Jones have called on the Welsh government to ensure targeted support reaches businesses in Dwyfor Meirionnydd not covered by existing financial aid.
The Plaid Cymru MP and MS said it was vital that small businesses, sole traders and some accommodation providers in the constituency were sufficiently supported in order to see this crisis through and support the recovery of the local economy.
Concerns have been voiced that some businesses in particular have been disproportionately affected by the Coronavirus pandemic with start-ups, sole traders, dental and veterinary practices, alternative practitioners and B&B’s amongst those missing out on financial support.
Liz Saville Roberts MP said,
‘Although both the Welsh and Westminster Governments have offered support packages for businesses it is apparent that many are falling between the gap where business support is concerned.’
‘I have received several inquiries from constituents in Dwyfor Meirionnydd, such as people who work from their own homes, B&B providers, childminders, sole traders and micro businesses.’
‘It appears that under current arrangements people with small businesses who are considered to be deriving income from their property but paying domestic rates not business rates are not eligible for support.’
‘As it stands, those running small businesses and don’t employ any staff are exempt from the Economic Resilience Fund. This fund only provides grants of £10,000 for micro-businesses employing up to nine people.’
'I urge the Welsh government to look again the scope of the Economic Resilience Fund and consider amending the regulations so that businesses who do not currently meet the criteria for support are sufficiently recompensed.'
Helen Mary Jones AM said,
'In the absence of an emergency basic income, Welsh Government must make sure there is better-targeted support for micro-businesses and sole traders, including those working from home and for the start-up businesses that do not yet have tax returns.'
'There are small businesses that are not VAT registered and others such as veterinary practices, dental practices, and many tourist and childcare firms that need addressing in any future business support.'
'There are many people not caught by the existing Welsh Government fund – for example company directors paying themselves wholly or partly in dividends rather than with salaries.'
'Ensuring we have a resilient economy coming out of the lockdown is essential for the good of both business and the workers they employ.'
'The Welsh Government must find ways to support all these types of businesses, and the new phase of the Economic Resilience Fund is an opportunity to do just that.'
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Sign in with Facebook Sign in with TwitterHowever, we now find ourselves penalised and falling between two stools because we don’t pay business rates i.e. no money at all.
All we are eligible for is the £7.5k max Self Employed Scheme which will be calculated at an average of 80% of three months profits over three years.
We looked into all the available grants, and again, it’s only available if you pay business rates and, I believe, some of them are only available in England.
Whereas I do not, for one minute, begrudge GENUINE self catering accommodation owners their £10K, I am utterly appalled by the disparity and inequality of it all.
Yes, there are plenty of loans available, but we would rather dig into our own personal savings than resort to this.
Again, thank you both for taking this up.
Gwerfyl Thomas of Nefyn Holidays.