Speaking during the virtual Welsh Parliament session today (May 20) on how the Welsh economy can recover from the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, the Shadow Minister for Business and Economy – Russell George MS – questioned why Phase 2 of the Economic Resilience Fund will not open for applications until mid- or late-June.
Mr George said:
“We Welsh Conservatives 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, the Minister has said today that Phase 2 will not be launched for a further four to six weeks. I was disappointed with this delay.
“This is because the businesses I am in conversation with tell me that they will be in a significantly worse position in a month’s time than the one they are now in, so I am calling for the launch of Phase 2 to be brought forward to protect them and the Welsh economy.”