Businesses in Wales still affected by coronavirus restrictions will be able to claim up to £25,000 more in support to help meet ongoing costs, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
This next package of business support comes as the Welsh Government confirmed up to six people from six different households will be able to meet in indoor regulated settings, such as cafes and pubs, when they open from May 17.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has provided more than £2bn to tens of thousands of businesses across Wales to help them through the pandemic.
This latest support package will help those businesses, which remain affected by restrictions, to meet ongoing costs through to the end of June as they prepare for re-opening and more normal trading conditions.
Businesses that stand to benefit include:
■ Nightclubs and late entertainment venues
■ Events and conference venues not covered by the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF)
■ Hospitality and leisure businesses, including restaurants, pubs and cafes.
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■ Supply chain business, which have been materially impacted by restrictions.
The support is the first phase of a £200m package earmarked for the incoming Welsh Government to help businesses affected by the pandemic. Welsh Government says it represents around £66m of that £200m funding pot.
There is no mention of retail in this package but minister said there will be further decisions for the incoming Welsh Government to make about further support, to help businesses recover and develop when restrictions are relaxed further.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The public health situation continues to improve in Wales – we have the lowest coronavirus rates and the best vaccination rates in the 海角视频.
“We know the restrictions have helped to keep us all safe but they have had a big impact on Welsh businesses, which is why we are making more funding available to support firms and safeguard jobs.
“Eligible businesses will receive support of up to £25k as they prepare to reopen and move towards more normal trading conditions.
“My new government will provide more detail about the extra financial support we will be providing to businesses to help them develop and grow as Wales recovers from the impact of the pandemic. As we continue to relax the restrictions, I can confirm that from Monday, up to six people from six different households will be able to meet indoors in regulated settings, such as cafes and pubs.”
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An eligibility checker will open on the Business Wales website at midday on 17 May so businesses can find out how much support they are likely to be entitled to and how to apply. Businesses will be able submit applications by the end of the month and they will receive between £2,500 and £25,000 depending on their circumstances. Funding will be calculated based on the size of the business and the type of restrictions they are under.
This support is in addition to the Welsh Government’s £610m non-domestic rates relief package.
海角视频Hospitality Cymru welcomed Welsh Government's announcement.
"Our businesses are delighted that Welsh Government have listened to our strong member's feedback that six adults per table from different households was needed on reopening to give them a chance of beginning the climb back towards profitability," said David Chapman, 海角视频H Cymru Executive Director.
The news that new finance would be made available to businesses that had endured restricted trade was also welcomed- but Mr Chapman said concerns continue that more would be needed to help the industry protect jobs as it slowly emerges from the long weeks of closure.
He added: "Any and all support is vital and very welcome, a case we have been repeating in discussions with Welsh Government since the last tranche of finance ran out more than a month ago,
"We welcome the support in recognition of the industry's continued plight but will be asking for extended help into the summer to enable employers to protect jobs while sub-viable trading continues under necessary but limiting restrictions,"
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