THE assembly member for Clwyd West has urged the Welsh Government to ensure small businesses which form "the backbone" of the North Wales economy get financial support amid the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Millar said that following the UK Government budget which proposed a £500million hardship fund and £3,000 grants for businesses qualifying for 100 per cent rate relief in England.

He said there is “so much at stake” for small businesses in the region as concerns rise over a drop in high street footfall.

The UK Government also proposed additional business rates relief measures for pubs and other businesses within the hospitality and leisure sector, fall within the devolved competence of Welsh Government.

These measures fall within the devolved authority of Welsh Government and Mr Millar, Welsh Conservatives, has called on the Welsh Government to implement a similar level of support.

“The coronavirus outbreak is an extremely worrying time for us all, but particularly so for our small businesses for who there is so much at stake," he said.

“They are the backbone of the Welsh economy and deserve support at the best of times, not least during this current crisis.

“The Federation of Small Businesses Wales have already written to the First Minister asking for measures to be put in place to help small businesses across Wales and highlighted within that letter that smaller businesses are already feeling the impacts of the Covid-19 virus.

"With predictions that the situation will get a lot worse before it improves, it is therefore vital that the Welsh Government provides our small businesses in Wales with the help they need to get them through this.

“There are many fantastic small businesses here in Denbighshire and Conwy, and it would be totally devastating if we were to lose any of them due to this crisis."