- 28/05/2020
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
More than £2.4 billion has been dedicated to battling the coronavirus crisis in Wales so far.
The Welsh Government has outlined the extraordinary steps it has taken in recent weeks when it published its supplementary budget yesterday (27 March) and Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths has praised the response and support.
Over £750 million has helped the NHS and public service response, supporting the supply of PPE, investment in testing and tracing and NHS recruitment.
The significant funding has also helped deliver the most generous business support package in the UK and further information relating to the Covid-19 business rates grants have been published by the Welsh Government.
In Wrexham, over 1,650 payments have been made so far, totalling almost £20 million. All of these businesses will also be benefiting from rates relief via the £1.4 billion package announced in March.
Lesley Griffiths MS said: “This is been an extraordinary period and I am pleased the Welsh Government has been able to deliver targeted support to those in need, beyond the funding it has received from the UK Government.”
“After an extremely worrying and turbulent time, it is pleasing to see this immediate support is reaching Wrexham businesses and making a difference to local people’s lives.”
“It is worth remembering the local figures relate to just one element of the support. There are other funding avenues and more to authorise so the figure will certainly increase in the weeks and months ahead.”
“This particular scheme will be closing to new applications at 5pm on 30 June 2020. If you are eligible and you have not already applied, please ensure you apply via Wrexham Council before this date.”
With many challenges on the horizon, the Welsh Government has also called on the UK Government to ease the ‘rigid financial rules’ that limit the Welsh Government’s ability to direct more resources to its Covid-19 response.
Easing the rules on the way the Welsh Government manages its budget and the amount it can borrow will free up much-needed resources for the front lines in this crisis.
