Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:43 pm on 26 May 2021.
Thank you, Llywydd, and if I could just take this opportunity to congratulate you on your re-election and, likewise, the First Minister. First Minister, last year, Treorchy High Street was named the best in the UK and was praised for its independent shops and community spirit. However, it is disappointing that success is not evenly spread across South Wales Central. Recently, Tonypandy and Porth were named in the top 20 most economically vulnerable towns in the UK. Sadly, the pandemic has only exacerbated these existing inequalities and highlighted the need for a bold, ambitious plan to help the high street back on its feet and to deliver good local jobs for local people. Does the First Minister agree with me that to support high streets across Wales, we need to boost small businesses by establishing business rate-free zones, and reform business rates so that they are no longer an outdated tax on growth? Thank you.