Welsh Conservative Joel James MS who represents South Wales Central in the Senedd, has voiced concerns over the cost of street trading licenses in Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT), which are among the highest in the region and higher than in London. Traders in RCT face an annual fee of £1,105—higher than Cardiff’s £594 and even higher than in Richmond, London’s £1,074.
Commenting on the issue, local Welsh Conservative Senedd Member, Joel James MS, said:
Small businesses and street traders are the lifeblood of our local economy, bringing vitality to our communities and offer unique goods and services. It’s deeply concerning that the street trading fees in Labour-run RCT are some of the highest in comparison to neighbouring areas and even parts of London.
With Welsh Labour’s steep business rates and UK Labour’s NI Increase already putting pressure on traders, these fees risk making street trading unaffordable and stifles opportunities for local entrepreneurs. We should be supporting small businesses, not pricing them out of existence.
A thriving local economy benefits everyone, from traders and consumers to the wider community and encourages entrepreneurship. Yet, as is often the case, the Labour Council seems more interested in stifling economic growth to make a quick buck.
To watch Joel highlight this in the Welsh Parliament, please click here.
