º£½ÇÊÓÆµ

Oops.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

PRIVACY
Retail & Consumer

First Minister Mark Drakeford says election rules preclude new funding announcement

First Minister said £200m is set aside for business support after the election but businesses unhappy that no clarity on funding until May

First Minister Mark Drakeford(Image: Polly Thomas/Getty Images)

First Minister Mark Drakeford today said that election rules preclude Welsh Government from making a new detailed funding announcement for businesses but that £200m is set aside for firms after the Senedd election.

Welsh Government has come under fire for 'moving the goalposts' with a previous £150m fund last month that was initially put forward as covering costs to March 31 now having to last until after the May 6 vote.

Mr Drakeford said that if this had not been well communicated he would "put it right" by clarifying the situation.

Election rules include a 'purdah' period of six weeks prior to the vote where funding announcements that could influence voters are not allowed.

But questions have been asked as to why an ongoing funding strategy was not announced prior to the 'purdah' period.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price has written to Mr Drakeford and the Llywedd calling for a recall of the Senedd to get cash for hospitality businesses.

Mr Drakeford said: "We announced a further £180m(including a further £30m hospitality fund) towards the second half of March to make sure businesses in Wales would have the help they need to see them through March and April as well.

"Businesses will see no interruption in the flow of financial support to them over that period.