Russell George MS – the Shadow Minister for Business and Economy – has repeated his call for the Welsh Government to bring forward the date from which businesses will begin receiving payments under Phase 2 of the Economic Resilience Fund (ERF).
He was speaking after the Minster for Economy announced today (June 9) that the eligibility checker for the second phase of the ERF has opened.
Mr George said:
“We Welsh Conservatives have broadly welcomed the introduction of the Welsh Government Economic Resilience Fund, and I am especially pleased on behalf of many businesses I have had conversations with that there will be changes to the eligibility criteria, something I have been calling for.
“However, I’m disappointed that the Government has said businesses will not be able to apply for assistance until the end of the month.
“Businesses are suffering now, and by the end of the month, when they can apply for aid, that suffering will be compounded by an additional three weeks of little to no revenue.
“The Minister for Economy must accelerate the start date for when the next round of applications and therefore payments will be released, or businesses could end up going to the wall.”