Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy is renewing her call for the Welsh Government to address the sudden drop in business rate relief payments.
Starting this month, thousands of businesses in Wales will see a surge in their rates bills as rates relief drops from 75% to 40%, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their English counterparts.
At a time when businesses are grappling with pandemic-related debt and soaring living costs, the UK Government's recent increase in the minimum wage adds to the financial strain. These escalating costs may lead to further closures of pubs, restaurants, and retailers, exacerbating the challenges faced by Welsh high streets.
Commenting on the news Janet said:
“Our small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges. During this incredibly difficult time for small businesses, we should be offering the hand of help rather than exacerbating the issue by pulling up the ladder.
“It's puzzling why the Welsh Government has chosen to cut crucial business rate relief support at a time when businesses are already struggling. Especially when the Welsh Government was given consequential funding to continue with the 75% relief rate.
“The hospitality sector pays their staff a fair wage, but escalating costs risk straining businesses and alienating customers in North Wales. The sector's significant £4 billion contribution to the Welsh economy and employment of 180,000 people is jeopardised by the £160 million Budget impact affecting Welsh hospitality from April.
“I strongly encourage the Welsh Government to reinstate higher percentages of business rate relief. Small businesses form the backbone of Aberconwy's economy and they must be allowed to thrive.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet at local business
Mae Janet Finch-Saunders, Aelod o'r Senedd dros Aberconwy yn galw eto ar Lywodraeth Cymru i fynd i'r afael â'r gostyngiad sydyn mewn taliadau rhyddhad ardrethi busnes.
O'r mis hwn ymlaen, bydd miloedd o fusnesau yng Nghymru yn gweld cynnydd sylweddol yn eu biliau ardrethi wrth i ostyngiad ardrethi ostwng o 75% i 40%, gan eu rhoi dan anfantais o gymharu â'u cyfoedion yn Lloegr.
Ar adeg pan fo busnesau'n ceisio taclo dyledion sy'n gysylltiedig â'r pandemig a chostau byw uchel, mae cynnydd diweddar Llywodraeth y DU yn yr isafswm cyflog yn ychwanegu at y straen ariannol. Gallai'r costau cynyddol hyn arwain at gau tafarndai, bwytai a manwerthwyr ymhellach, gan waethygu'r heriau sy'n wynebu'r stryd fawr yng Nghymru.
Wrth sôn am y hyn dywedodd Janet:
“Mae ein busnesau bach yn wynebu heriau digynsail. Yn ystod y cyfnod hynod anodd hwn i fusnesau bach, dylem fod yn cynnig help llaw yn hytrach na gwaethygu'r mater trwy helpu llai.
“Dwi'n methu'n lân â deall pam mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi dewis torri'r cymorth rhyddhad ardrethi busnes hanfodol ar adeg pan mae busnesau eisoes yn ei chael hi'n anodd. Yn enwedig pan gafodd Llywodraeth Cymru gyllid canlyniadol i barhau gyda'r gyfradd ryddhad o 75%.
“Mae'r sector lletygarwch yn talu cyflog teg i'w staff, ond mae costau cynyddol mewn perygl o roi straen ar fusnesau a dieithrio cwsmeriaid yn y Gogledd. Mae cyfraniad sylweddol y sector o £4 biliwn i economi Cymru a chyflogi 180,000 o bobl mewn perygl gan effeithiau'r Gyllideb gwerth £160 miliwn sy'n effeithio ar letygarwch Cymru o fis Ebrill ymlaen.
“Rwy'n annog Llywodraeth Cymru yn gryf i adfer canrannau uwch o ryddhad ardrethi busnes. Busnesau bach yw asgwrn cefn economi Aberconwy ac mae'n rhaid iddyn nhw gael yr hawl i ffynnu.”
DIWEDD
