Plaid Cymru’s Caerphilly Assembly candidate Ron Davies has welcomed plans by the party to try and support small and medium businesses with their proposed policies.
The headline policy announced by Plaid Cymru leader and Minister for the Economy, Ieuan Wyn Jones is that the temporary rate relief scheme would be made permanent, ensuring that around half of all small businesses in Wales will pay no business rates at all.
Other pledges include proposals to increase the amount of Welsh public sector procurement from Welsh based suppliers.
Ron Davies, a former Welsh Secretary, said: “This is fantastic news for the Caerphilly constituency. I know from speaking to local businesses that they have struggled over the past few years and so these innovative and ambitious plans will go a long way to supporting local companies.
“I am especially pleased that if Plaid Cymru is in government after the election we will ensure that around half of all small businesses in Wales will pay no rates at all. This would be a huge boost for the local economy and would help in developing businesses and creating jobs in the county borough.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “Plaid is also pledging that the temporary rate relief scheme which is due to end in October this year will be made permanent. This means for the next Assembly term around half of small businesses in Wales will pay no business rates at all.”