Commenting on the extension to business rates relief for childcare providers, Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said:
“Childcare providers will receive this as very welcome news from Welsh Government today. Childcare providers are a hugely significant part of our economy; they are the reason that much of our economy is able to function and are an integral part of communities across the country.
“Continuing the business rates holiday until 2025 will help childcare providers continue to get back on their feet and adapt to a very different way of operating in response to the pandemic. Not to mention that ensuring these businesses are supported protects jobs in every town in Wales.
“Childcare providers are not the only part of Wales’ economy facing unique and mounting pressures. Whilst this intervention from Welsh Government is hugely welcome, many other sectors are facing complex issues related to recruitment and retention of staff, delivery shortages and the ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic as we head into autumn and winter. Welsh Government has previously indicated that a future round of the Economic Resilience Fund would focus on grant and loan funding to support firms to rebuild. The details and eligibility of this fund needs to be published as soon as possible so that firms can be support to take the steps that they need to rebuild and adapt to the new economy.”