Party demands change to end the built-in advantage enjoyed by out-of-town retail over high-street businesses
The business rates system is actively working against Llanelli town centre, Plaid Cymru has argued — and the party says change is needed.
Plaid’s manifesto commits to restructuring business rates to level the playing field between high-street businesses and out-of-town retail, ending the in-built advantage that has drawn trade away from town centres.
In Llanelli, the long struggle to sustain a strong town centre has been shaped in part by that imbalance. Small independent traders pay rates that reflect a system designed for a different era, while out-of-town operators benefit from lower relative costs and purpose-built infrastructure.
Plaid says change, alongside measures to convert empty buildings to new uses, can help shift the balance back towards the centre of town — but only if government stops pretending the current system is neutral.
Mari Arthur, Plaid Cymru candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said:
“A café owner on Stepney Street pays rates that bear no relation to the advantages enjoyed by a big-box retailer on the edge of town. That is not a fair system — it is a rigged one.”
“Our manifesto backs change because high-street businesses deserve a system that gives them a fair chance, not one that quietly advantages their competitors.”
“This is about what kind of town we want Llanelli to be. We want the centre to thrive — and that means changing the rules that have worked against it.”
Plaid controlls Carmarthenshire County Council, Plaid are to blame, gaslighting at its best.
Ann Thomas
7 friends Ann the Reform plastic Welsh troll.😂 preaching again
Allison Evans is that all you can say!🙄
Allison Evans Plaid is responsible for the state of Llanelli, thay can run but they cant hide.
Ann Thomas
The plastic Welsh speak 😂,
You advocate for an English nationalist party,born out of Thatchers English establishment.
Have a look at the words to your national anthem plastic Ann,
Your just another Bradwr bach,
Welsh history is littered with people like you,
” bend over Sir,this far enough for you “,
Everyone is to blame for Llanelli being a shit hole Exept the people who live there ,
No wonder those who can are moving out to surrounding communities.
Allison Evans yet again your far left lunacy cannot help itself from insults and name calling, you are really starting to sound un- hinged, but keep it coming your exposing yourself with each post,Llanelli is a shit hole because it has voted continually for left wing Parties ie, labour and far left Plaid. Well at least you’ve made your feelings known on the people of Llanelli and shown them the contempt in which you hold them.
Ann Thomas
War and Peace lol,
I know what you are sweetie pie,it’s you that has difficulty accepting the truth.
#Plastic Welsh man
#preaching
#weknowwhothebradwrsare.
Doesn’t Plaid run Carmarthenshire? Thus set the rates?
Kev Yeo to be honest Kev I do believe that plaid and Labour has run Carmarthenshire between for the last few years what a great job they’ve done pal 🙄🙄
Kev Yeo not business rates
Kev Yeo they are set by Westminster sadly
There should have been a proviso when Trostre was built that if you wanted to enjoy the benefits of out of town retail all shops down there would have to keep a smaller shop in the town centre -if not higher rates would have to be paid at trostre.
Absolutely right they were set in better times . Now make the shops impossible to consider opening . Well done plaid Cymru
A Bit bloody late! Oh hang on, there’s an election coming!
Cam Lynch yep run by labour and plaid, C,C,C is plaid.
Anthony Gregory when I spoke to Dan Thomas 2 weeks ago in Llanelli town center, I did bring up the subject and everyone’s concern about its state, he sincerely promised me that Reform will rejuvenate Llanelli town center and others, I said I’m putting my trust in you and if you dont commit to your promises, I will vote for someone else in 4 years time. His response was….if you vote for another party in 4 years time that would mean that I have let you down, I have no intention of letting you down…..that’s good enough for me.
They’ve rigged in through Carmarthenshire County council for the last 10 years by inflating property values!
Some rates are now more than the rents!
Against town council ???? County council set and take rates . Not town council ??? Or am I mistaken
Anyonewaiting Jake I agree County council (RUN BY PLAID) set the rates… but then Some of the candidates don’t actually live here and pay any rates, so, wouldn’t have a clue really
Anyonewaiting Jake
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