Minutes:
· Covid-19 – Business Support Summary
Issues Discussed:
· An economic recovery group was established at the beginning of the outbreak which has changed to a group looking as Thriving and Sustainable Economy (TASE).
· Questions:
How can you expect to support businesses when you don't know what business you are supporting. This situation is different to previous recessions due to good work by Powys getting money out to businesses. 60% of the money is going back into the economy, but unless we understand our businesses how can we support them. |
It is hoped that the economic impact is not as great as feared. Whilst we are not operating on a national level, there are things the council can do locally such as supporting the Powys pound. There has been communications with businesses through various channels, and the business support helpline has received a large number of enquiries. Advice and support has been provided to businesses. The funding from Welsh Government has been able to go direct to businesses as its through the business rates system. The economic analysis which the Council is undertaking should give a better picture of the impact on the local economy. |
We do not have a business register, and we are trying to get economic data, which we should already have. What we are doing will not support our economy. |
The Council does know its businesses and do work with them regularly e.g. small business rates relief, and this is how we could get money out to businesses so quickly. |
The council cannot support businesses it does not understand. The concern is how the economy links into apprenticeships, how will we attract and support businesses and support high streets. We need a proper business strategy to take this forward. |
The first phase of the recovery work will be published next week. A large impact of the coronavirus has been on the economy e.g. GVA decreasing by almost 25% over the 2 year period March 2018 to 2020, potentially between 4.4% and 7.3% fewer jobs. The Council does know its businesses, we regulate a number of businesses and the Council has taken many calls over the period from businesses. Tourism is one sector that has been adversely impacted by the outbreak. |
Congratulations to the team who have been distributing funding to businesses. When businesses had the £10,000 or £25,000 grants those businesses could only apply if they were adversely affected. Some businesses have remained open or benefitted from the closure of others. Will there be a review of whether these businesses were eligible to receive this funding. |
This is a Welsh Government scheme, so they established the criteria. There were no eligibility criteria about whether businesses continued trading, the only sector with an additional scrutiny test was the holiday sector. Checks are also being undertaken that businesses that receive grants are eligible to receive them. Businesses were also advised that checks would be undertaken and if there was any fraud that the money could be reclaimed. |
How will these checks be undertaken. |
A corporate fraud team will be undertaking these checks and verification checks after payments made. |
There are a number of initiatives being implemented at present. Is there any cross over of assistance and is it better to focus the assistance locally or by sector. |
This is a challenge in terms of a co-ordinated response. There is sector specific support. The Economic Group mentioned earlier undertakes this co-ordination role. There is a range of support available and it can be a challenge to know which to bid for, and prioritising resources for best impact. Lobbying has been undertaken for support for the hospitality and tourism sector which has been particularly badly hit. |
Would a free car parking scheme assist town centres in getting them going again. |
Car parks are not free, they are costs associated with them, and they need to be regulated and monitored. They are also a source of income for the Council. A loss of that income would need to be balanced elsewhere. |
Thanks to officers. Powys was one of the first authorities to get the £10,000 grants out which helped businesses survive. Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC), have they all been paid the grants due. Has any work been undertaken to ensure that businesses that are eligible have claimed. |
The closing date for applications was 30th June, and a number of organisations received phone calls to ensure that as many as possible who were eligible for the grant applied for it. Some who were eligible but did not apply were also contacted. The Council contacted these organisations either through social media, by letter or by telephone. |
Mid Wales Town Centre Action Group – who is on the group, what level of expertise do we have access to. |
A meeting had been held involving representatives of Powys, Ceredigion Council and Welsh Government which was considering how to broaden the list of those invited to get the expertise needed, including engaging with the business sector. Some basic issues are being considered at present such as reopening high streets, dealing with empty businesses and changing the limited powers which local government have in this respect. The focus needs to be not replicating what others are doing but adding value. This working group is also feeding directly into a Ministerial Town Action Group and influence Welsh Government. The current work is around reopening town centres, transport, greening town centre infrastructure, repurposing of buildings, financial support. |
· It was suggested that the Council should look strategically and decide what we want our market towns to do, as our market towns are relatively small compared to those in England or elsewhere in Wales. There is a need to have a conversation with Towns as to what they want to become in future. We should also be asking what sort of tourists does the Council want to attract to the County.
Outcomes:
Action |
Action By / Completion Date |
Scrutiny to look at the Economic Impact Study |
WR |
Scrutiny to track the work being undertaken by the Town Centre Focus Group |
WR |
Supporting documents: