Local AM Paul Davies has raised concerns over the impact of business rates in the Chamber with the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Carl Sergeant.

Paul Davies said, "I raised the issue of a more flexible business rate relief scheme with the Minister, with the aim of getting the Welsh Assembly Government to reconsider the proposals for a rate relief scheme set out by myself and my colleagues last year. We proposed to bring in a scheme that would provide 100 per cent rate relief to businesses with a rateable value of up to £10,000 and we fully costed those proposals.

"It would be helpful to many small businesses if the Welsh Assembly Government implemented a more flexible rate relief scheme. This would lead to a considerably fewer number of vacant shops in towns like Milford Haven. More can be done to help struggling town centres like Milford Haven and to encourage regeneration in such areas.

"Given the economic climate, the smaller the business, the bigger the impact of business rates on its ability to survive these difficult times. Therefore, it is imperative that the Assembly Government addresses the concerns raised effectively and efficiently. It is crucial that the voices of small businesses in Pembrokeshire and across Wales are heard at an Assembly level."