Local businesses hammered by surging business rate increases could be thrown a lifeline in the form of millions of pounds.

A Welsh Government consultation has suggested drafting a £110m scheme to cut rates for small firms in Monmouthshire.

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay said a permanent scheme could funnel cuts to small firms, local shops, pubs and cafes, if approved.

A petition launched last year fought to overturn the controversial rises in Monmouthshire where a number of local businesses were hit by significant rate increases and a spike in the business rate multiplier, pushing them over the £12,000 threshold small businesses rely on for relief.

Mr Ramsay said, “I hope these plans will get the go ahead so that a £110 million permanent small business rate relief scheme can be introduced by 2018.

 

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets and have been penalised long enough. We should be doing all we can to support and protect them.

 

The Conservative AM urged those concerned to take part in the consultation by visiting gov.wales/consultations before the Friday, October 13 deadline.