James Evans MS has warned that Labour’s tax policies are crippling small businesses and undermining town centre regeneration, after raising concerns in the Senedd this week about the future of high streets across Brecon & Radnorshire.
In an exchange with the First Minister, James highlighted that almost 94% of Welsh businesses are family-owned, calling them the backbone of town centres across Mid and West Wales, but warned that they are being “hammered” by the highest business rates in the United Kingdom, hikes in employer National Insurance, and threats to business property relief.
James said these tax rises are stifling investment, putting jobs at risk, and leaving more shops boarded up on high streets across Wales, including in rural communities.
James Evans MS said:
“Almost 94% of Welsh firms are family-owned, they are the backbone of our high streets. Yet instead of supporting them, Labour’s tax addiction is crippling them. We already suffer from the highest business rates in Great Britain, and now businesses are being hit with higher employer National Insurance and raids on business property relief.
“This means less investment, fewer jobs, and more boarded-up shops in town centres across Wales. Labour talk a good game about regeneration, but the only thing they ever deliver is higher taxation.
“It’s time to show that Wales is open for business. That means reversing these damaging tax hikes, backing our family firms, and giving our high streets the support they need to thrive.”
