THE Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh and UK Labor governments to deliver a fair deal for Welsh small businesses ahead of the UK and Welsh budgets.
In a letter to Finance Cabinet Secretary Mark Drakeford, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS and Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick have called on the Welsh Government to ensure that, if There is some protection for business rates relief in England in the UK Government budget, which the Welsh Government will also maintain the relief scheme in Wales.
Separately, Liberal Democrat MPs, including David Chadwick, have written to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, asking her to support small businesses across the UK and maintain the current support scheme in England.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have highlighted that earlier this year, the Welsh Government decided to cut the business rates relief plan from 75% to 40%, a move they say was out of step with that of England and that has already had a negative impact on small businesses. businesses across Wales.
The Liberal Democrats have also called for a complete reform of business rates in both the UK and Wales, calling for the outdated system to be replaced with a “commercial landowners tax” which would be based on the value of the land on which it is located. Find the business. lying. The party has argued that this would make taxes fairer for small businesses, help level the playing field with online retailers and supermarkets, as well as boost growth in local economies.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS commented: “Business rates are an outdated form of tax in urgent need of reform. But while we wait for that reform to take place, we must ensure that our small businesses have all the support they need to thrive.
“That is why the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Labor Government to protect our pubs, restaurants and shops during this budget process.
“Small businesses in Wales represent a larger section of the Welsh economy than in Scotland and England, which only highlights why support for the sector should be at the forefront of this Budget.”
Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, added: “The Welsh Labor Government’s decision to cut the business rates relief scheme earlier this year was a mistake that has already left small businesses businesses across Wales are struggling and have even forced some to close completely.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of rural areas like mine. Not only do we have world-class hospitality, leisure and retail options in our small towns and villages, but these small businesses often provide important social and community spaces within rural areas.
“We need to do much more to support our small business owners who bring so much value to our communities. “That starts with Labor making sure they make no further cuts to the business rates relief plan.”