CALLS have been made in Denbighshire for the Welsh Government to go even further to support people struggling with employment during the Covid-19 outbreak.

A package of £1.4 billion has been revealed by the minister for economy Ken Skates, who added the government had “never ever deployed such a figure to support Welsh businesses”.

The measures provide retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales with a year-long business rates holiday. A grant of £25,000 will also be offered for businesses in the same sector with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000 and it also provides a £10,000 grant to all businesses eligible with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council and lead member for the economy, responded: “We understand the pressure the business sector is going through and this funding will provide some relief to them.

“However, as a Council we will be writing to the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency asking them to look at extending this scheme to cover more businesses, including those self-employed working from home or on a freelance basis, not eligible under these criteria.

“Small businesses are vital to the economy in Denbighshire, supporting our communities and providing jobs for our residents.

“The Welsh Government, through the Business Wales service and the Development Bank of Wales, are providing the support and I encourage businesses in Denbighshire to contact them to find out more information."

Businesses are being asked to contact the Business Wales helpline on 03000 603000 and you can contact the council's Economic and Business Development Team on econ.dev@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706896.