Commenting on the Non-Domestic Rating (Multiplier) (Wales) Order 2014, which saw AMs following the Chancellor’s lead in capping business rate rises at 2%, Nick Ramsay AM, Shadow Minister for Business, said:
“High business rates are one of the biggest obstacles to small business growth and greater private sector activity in the Welsh economy.
“Welsh Conservatives have long campaigned for business rate reform to help small businesses to stay afloat, expand and create new jobs.
“The Conservative-led Coalition took a bold lead in capping rate rises at 2% and it is right that the Welsh Government should not put Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
“As the latest retail figures show, Wales had the worst festive shopping season of all UK nations and regions and our high streets are in urgent need of support.
“Welsh Conservatives want to see business rates abolished for all small businesses to help small businesses thrive and bring life back to many of our increasingly deserted high streets.
“Labour Ministers must promptly bring forward substantial reform to business rates or risk Welsh high streets and town centre shops dying out within 20 years.”
