William Graham (Shadow Minister for Regeneration) denounces Assembly Government failure to act on payment of backdated Port Business Rates.
“I initially raise this matter with the Business Minister last November, who directed the matter for decision by the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government”.
“The issue is clear; businesses in Welsh Ports are being levied for payment of 6 years business rates in one go, with no extended period of payment time for these backdated rates”.
“In England companies are not being levied these rates, they do not have to pay them; in fact those companies who have paid them, have been paid back”.
“I raised this issue again today because court summonses have already been issued against companies in Swansea Docks”.
“I have received an inadequate response from the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government. The Assembly Government is failing to act to redress the clear competitive advantage for English companies over their Welsh counterparts”.
“I am aware that some companies are considering migrating to England, resulting in a loss of jobs in Welsh ports”.
“Urgent action is required from the Assembly Government”.
