Cost of Living Crisis Impact on Businesses 2023-03-01
2023-03-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to address the economic challenges faced by Welsh businesses due to rising costs.
What recent assessment has been made of the impact of the cost of living crisis on businesses in Wales?
This Government have provided an unprecedented package for non-domestic energy users through this winter, worth £18 billion, and our new energy bills discount scheme will provide a discount on high energy costs to give businesses certainty while limiting taxpayers' exposure to volatile energy markets.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a recent assessment of the impact specifically asked for, but provided general information about government support measures.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the uncertainty faced by Welsh businesses due to the phasing out of certain government support measures after April.
Welcoming the Secretary of State's support running up to April, but noting that changes introduced from April bring huge amounts of uncertainty for many businesses. One business is considering redundancies because it cannot secure funding beyond April. Will the Secretary of State meet to ensure this business is secured and convince the Chancellor more support is needed in the Budget?
I certainly know that the Chancellor and the Treasury have been having discussions with businesses in Wales about what support can be given, but I would be perfectly happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and that business in his constituency to see what further support can be given.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to meeting specifically or discussing additional budget support directly as requested.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the challenges faced by businesses on Anglesey due to the cost of living crisis, compounded by infrastructure issues.
Welsh language greetings. Businesses in Ynys Môn are impacted by the cost of living crisis and lack of key infrastructure investment. With plans for a third Menai bridge cancelled, does the Secretary of State agree that a freeport on Anglesey would demonstrate future potential?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who has been a doughty champion for not only a freeport, but a nuclear power station and a third Menai bridge, in her constituency of Ynys Môn. She must have been as disappointed as I was that the Welsh Labour Government have decided that they will build no more roads in Wales, meaning that her constituents will lose out as a result of not being able to have that vital road connection.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about freeport agreement but instead criticised Welsh Labour Government's infrastructure policies.
Response accuracy