Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living Crisis: Impact on Businesses

Wednesday 1 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government provided a 18 billion package for non-domestic energy users during the winter to address the cost of living crisis.
  • Secretary of State offered to meet with Chris Elmore and a business in his constituency to discuss further support beyond April.
  • Virginia Crosbie suggested a freeport on Anglesey to demonstrate future potential, despite cancelled plans for a third Menai bridge.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Wales Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need to address the economic challenges faced by Welsh businesses due to rising costs.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the impact of the cost of living crisis on businesses in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment of the impact specifically asked for, but provided general information about government support measures.

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Business & Trade Local Government
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting specifically or discussing additional budget support directly as requested.

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Q3 Virginia Crosbie
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

The question is prompted by the challenges faced by businesses on Anglesey due to the cost of living crisis, compounded by infrastructure issues.

Question

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?

Answer from David Davies

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.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific question about freeport agreement but instead criticised Welsh Labour Government's infrastructure policies.

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