Member of the Senedd for Gower, Rebecca Evans MS, has welcomed the news that the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund has already protected 75,000 jobs. Rebecca Evans MS said: "The fund, which I launched in my role as Minister for Finance, has seen crucial grants provided to businesses to help them deal with the impacts of coronavirus. Almost £138 million has supported Micro and SME firms already, with more funding arriving with businesses by the day. “The fund is proving essential in ensuring Welsh businesses get the financial support they need in these most difficult of times, ensuring Welsh businesses have the support needed to look towards a positive future. "We have a large number of micro and small businesses in Gower and this fund is good news for our community." The ERF is part of the Welsh Government’s £1.7 billion package of support for business which is the most generous and comprehensive offer of help anywhere in the UK. For the first time in the history of the Census, there will be a question on service in the Armed Forces following a campaign led by The Royal British Legion and supported by Gower’s Member of the Senedd, Rebecca Evans MS. The Royal British Legion, which led the campaign, is at the heart of a national network offering a range of support and services to the Armed Forces community. The decision to include the question on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces in the 2021 census will provide the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families. It has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living in Great Britain, making up part of a wider ex-Service community which includes their spouses, partners, dependent children and widow(er)s. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Rebecca Evans said: “Having a better understanding of the profile and needs of veterans is a key part of making sure our public services are tailored for our armed forces community. I welcome this historic change to the 2021 Census to include a question on the Armed Forces, and have been proud to support the campaign.” |
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