The FSB have responded to the 2020-2021 Draft Budget from Welsh Government.
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair
“The Draft Budget is an opportunity for Welsh Government to outline how it will support Wales’ 265,000 small businesses and in turn help to grow our economy.
On Climate Change
“Welsh Government’s prioritisation of climate change within the budget is important, and we welcome the funding designated for action on environmental issues. We would argue that this should be used to fund mechanisms through which SMEs can take steps to mitigate their environmental impact, such as by funding an advice line that enables SMEs to access the latest environmental information and guidance on a range of topics in one place.
“FSB Wales is working alongside SMEs to ensure that they can properly engage with Welsh Government on climate issues. We welcome proposals to move to electric buses we have also called for Welsh Government to outline a long-term strategy on the transition to electric vehicles to support SMEs to plan to take part in this revolution, something which we would have liked to see more emphasis on in this budget.
On Welsh towns
“FSB Wales has for some time been calling for a Future of Welsh Towns Fund which would enable communities to pitch in for funding which would support their towns to be successful in the future. Whilst we are pleased to see an additional £10 million for the Town Centre Loans Fund, which has proved a successful means of bringing empty buildings back into use across the country, this fund does only refer to buildings and as such there has still been a missed opportunity to support Welsh towns in this draft budget.
“We are disappointed that Welsh Government has not yet made a decision in favour of high streets relief, following an announcement by UK Government in the 2018 Autumn Budget. We will continue to press Welsh Government on the importance of this to high street businesses.
On infrastructure
“We welcome additional funding on infrastructure, including investment for the North Wales Metro and sustainable transport. However, more still needs to be done to address some of the infrastructure problems that face SMEs on a day-to-day basis, such as the state of local roads. FSB Wales has called for a Local Infrastructure Fund which would be used to develop solutions at a local level.
“We would now urge Welsh Government to support this announcement with an effective communication campaign so that SMEs are aware of the funding available, and look forward to working with them on this.
“We hope that the Finance Minister and Welsh Government will continue to take action to give businesses the certainty that they need to promote growth, stability, and a strong economy.”
