Ceredigion MP, Mark Williams has welcomed the Assembly’s announcement that it will be extended the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme in Wales for a further financial year.

Following the announcement in the Autumn statement in December from the Chancellor that he will be extending the scheme in England, the Welsh Government have confirmed this week that it will also be extended in Wales.

Commenting, Mark Williams said:

‘Leaving Welsh businesses at a disadvantage was simply was not an option, so I am pleased the Welsh Assembly Government has decided to follow suit and extend the scheme too.

‘Business rates are regressive and hit small business disproportionately hard. I hope in the long term the whole system will be reformed in Wales to stop this being the case.’

Local AM Elin Jones gave a cautious welcome.

“The continuation of the small business rate relief scheme for another year is of course welcome. But it doesn’t go far enough to help small businesses in Cardigan and elsewhere. I’ve been pressing the Minister to consider a wider rate relief scheme, similar to that which is in operation in Scotland. Plaid Cymru’s plan would give extra help to businesses with rateable values of up to £15,000, and would be a good investment in the vibrancy of our town centres and independent traders.”