Flintshire: High streets ‘have been clobbered on all sides,’ says Plaid MS

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd (MS) Llyr Gruffydd called for urgent support for small businesses in Welsh towns and villages, highlighting the deepening crisis facing high street traders.

During visits to high streets in Mold and Holywell, Mr Gruffydd said shop owners consistently expressed concerns about the compounded financial pressures they face.

“The Labour Government’s decision to cut business rate relief from 75% to 40% has hit many businesses hard,” said Mr Gruffydd.

“This, combined with rises in National Insurance contributions, raising the minimum wage, and ongoing inflation and interest rate hikes, has left many feeling they’re being clobbered on all sides.”

Mr Gruffydd, who represents the North Wales region, reiterated his party’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

He outlined Plaid Cymru’s proposals to reinstate the 75% business rate relief and rebalance the rates system in favour of small traders over large supermarkets and out-of-town retail parks.

“Small businesses in Flintshire and across Wales are the lifeblood of our high streets,” he said.

“Plaid Cymru means business when we say we’ll promote their interests at every opportunity.”

High streets in Wales, like those across the UK, are grappling with a challenging economic environment.

Inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and reduced consumer spending have compounded longstanding issues, such as competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres.

By pledging to prioritise small businesses, Plaid Cymru says it aims to stem the tide of closures and restore vibrancy to Welsh high streets.

Mr Gruffydd urged local residents to play their part in safeguarding the future of local commerce.

“Small Business Saturday is a reminder of the value these businesses bring, not just to our economy but to our communities,” he said.”

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign designed to celebrate small business success and encourage consumers to support local enterprises. While the event takes place annually on the first Saturday in December, its broader mission is to create a lasting positive impact on small businesses.

On the day, customers across the UK show their support by shopping at small businesses, whether online, in offices, or in physical stores. Many small businesses also mark the occasion by hosting special events and offering discounts to attract and engage their communities.