Comment

with Elin Jones

The current economic situation featured prominently in the news headlines during 2009, and businesses in Ceredigion have been particularly affected by the recession.

There are growing concerns about the effect of the current revaluation of the rateable values of premises and, over recent weeks, I have received representations from many businesses throughout the county which are facing substantial increases in their rate bills from April onwards, and I have taken up many cases by individual businesses.

Even though the public purse is very constrained at present, I’m glad that the Assembly Government has been looking at ways of supporting local businesses and the economy as a whole. Immediately before Christmas, it was announced that the thresholds to qualify for Small Business Rate Relief in Wales would be increased by at least 20 per cent. I hope that this step – as well as the previously-announced decision to decrease the multiplier for business rates in Wales from 48.9 to 40.9 per cent – will provide some assistance to local businesses. While I also appreciate that these initiatives do not answer all the difficulties faced by our businesses, they show that the Assembly Government is looking at every possible way of providing support during this difficult period.

Earlier in December, the Regeneration Minister announced that four Ceredigion post office branches had been successful in their applications for funding under the Assembly Government’s new Post Office Diversification Fund. I had previously written to all post office branches in Ceredigion encouraging them to apply for this funding, and I’m very pleased that the Upper Borth, Devil’s Bridge, Llanwnnen and Cardigan branches have been successful in the first funding round. The subpostmasters of branches will be able to use this financial assistance to develop their businesses and provide a wider range of services to customers.

This year will be the year when a Rural Health Plan finally becomes a reality in Wales. Four years ago when we were campaigning to protect local hospital services, I repeatedly called for such a health plan which could the particular challenges faced while delivering healthcare services in rural areas into account.

I’m therefore particularly pleased that the present health minister has announced that a suitable Rural Health Plan has been created and that an implementation group will be established over the coming weeks so that it can be put into action as soon as possible, thereby realising a key commitment within the One Wales agreement.