Commenting on the statement from the Welsh Ports Business Group that many firms based at Welsh ports could be forced to close their doors due to WAG’s decision not to use additional money from the UK Government to write off their backdated business rates, Jonathan Morgan, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said:
“This was a short-sighted decision by the Labour-led Assembly Government, which ignores the significant contribution of Welsh ports to the Welsh economy.
“Businesses at ports around Wales’ coastline will be unfairly penalised by this tax bombshell through no fault of their own.
“This decision to sting Welsh businesses with retrospective taxes, despite the Assembly Government having ample funds to prevent it, sends a negative message to any companies considering investing in Wales.
“At a time when many businesses are being forced to make efficiencies to remain competitive, these Welsh firms will be at a disadvantage compared to their rivals in other parts of the UK.
“In challenging economic times Wales needs an Assembly Government which helps businesses to grow and create jobs rather than threatening to stifle Wales’ economic recovery.”
