05/06/2026
An open letter to our councils and Senedd.
In the last six years, we have seen our rateable value increase twice, even though the high street is in complete disarray.
Pwllheli is dying.
On Gaol Street alone, there are 12 buildings that used to be shops - most completely empty or for sale, plus the banks and Factory Shop on the corner.
Why is the rateable value scale different to England?
As of April this year, we have been moved into the highest business rate banding, meaning we get zero support or relief anymore.
I have sent photos to the valuation office showing over half of our building is not used, but they refuse to do anything.
Something has to change immediately to rescue what is left. How can we keep getting punished and expect to continue?
Clearly most businesses in the last three years have not been able to sustain this and the photos attached are all shops recently closed, yet our business rate bills are going up, along with spiralling electricity costs and wages which now include increased minimum wages, National Insurance and private pensions contributions.
The cost per staff member is well over £20 per hour.
We also need to also align ourselves with the current push to reduce VAT to 10% - this combination is killing everyone.
Is there anyone in our increased new government that can start trying to salvage what is left?
The following photos are all businesses that are either on Gaol Street on on the corner.
They were once small businesses and shops.
We need urgent action.
When will this attack on small businesses and hard working people end?
liz_saville_roberts
Liz Saville Roberts - Dwyfor Meirionnydd
adampriceplaid
Cyngor Gwynedd
seneddwales
Senedd Cymru
