Siân Gwenllian, the Member of the Senedd for Arfon, recently had the opportunity to raise the importance of providing financial support for Bangor BID and Hwb Caernarfon with Ken Skates, the Minister for the Economy. Both initiatives work to promote town centre businesses and shops within the Arfon constituency.
In a virtual meeting of the Senedd, Siân Gwenllian MS said that “BIDs are key to the restoration of shopping centres in many towns and cities across Wales, and their work will be invaluable in addressing the large problems facing our High Street as a result of the current health crisis.”
She added that "£6m pounds is being allocated to BIDs in England, to help towards 3 months of levy payments," and asked whether funding would be given to Wales.
Established in 2015, Bangor BID has developed a strategy to improve the business environment and improve economic growth in the city. Hwb Caernarfon is its equivalent in Caernarfon.
The Plaid Cymru MS for Arfon asked the Welsh Government's Economy Minister, "does your Government have any intention of helping businesses in the 16 BID schemes that, to date, continue to pay levy into the scheme?"
Responding, Ken Skates said that "a positive decision has been made," and that he would provide further details in due course.
Siân Gwenllian said she was pleased to be able to ensure that support was given to businesses, but she was concerned that "too many businesses where falling through the cracks."
Following Siân Gwenllian's contribution in the Senedd, Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru's MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Helen Mary Jones, MS for Mid and West Wales have called on the Welsh Government “to ensure targeted support reaches businesses in Gwynedd not covered by existing financial aid.”
Do you like this post?
Be the first to comment
Sign in with
Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Twitter