In the Assembly chamber recently Local AM Paul Davies has raised concerns over the implementation of the Economic Renewal Programme and the impact on grant funding for businesses, with the First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones.

Paul Davies said, "I raised the issue of grant funding, with the aim of getting the First Minister to outline what support was available for small businesses who had applied for monies under the old system.

Supporting businesses of all sizes in Wales must surely be a key priority for the Welsh Assembly Government during these tough financial times."

"I have received representations from businesses that are unsure of where they can currently turn to. Under the Economic Renewal Programme, some businesses fear that they will no longer be eligible for funding.

Clearly, as the Welsh Assembly Government moves away from a grants culture to a system based on repayable loans, businesses feel that they are in limbo without full support."

"I hope that the Welsh Assembly Government considers looking at this transition period more closely to ensure that all businesses across Pembrokeshire, and indeed Wales, are aware of what support is available to them.

I will continue to monitor this situation and raise the concerns on behalf of businesses in my constituency who are struggling through this transition period."