And no this title does not allude to the fact that spellcheckers keep suggesting that ProAct be changed to Prozac, though at the speed the Welsh Government are acting it might as well do so.
In her press conference today Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, Kirsty Williams renewed her calls for the Welsh Government to speed up its financial aid for struggling businesses through the ProAct scheme.
It was revealed last Thursday by the First Minister in the Business Partnership Council that no money had left the Welsh Government to assist the 18 (of 90) companies that have had their ProAct applications approved.
Back in January, Kirsty Williams called on the First Minister to speed up his government’s flagship response to the economic crisis as the number of unemployed grew.
Speaking today Kirsty said: “The Labour-Plaid government has been quick to sing its own praises about how quick it has responded to the economic crisis but words and promises mean nothing to struggling businesses that need access to credit and financial assistance. People are losing their jobs all across Wales and they are losing them now.
“The First Minister proudly announced to Assembly Members last Tuesday that 18 out of 90 companies have had their applications for ProAct approved after the programme was announced last December, but in the Business Partnership Council later on that week, he admitted that money still had not been transferred to the successful ProAct companies.”
“When businesses ask for financial assistance from the Welsh Government, they first find themselves jumping through hoops and then, even when their application is successful, they still have to wait for the money to leave the Welsh Government. Businesses cannot wait.
“The ProAct scheme was set up last December to provide training for employees during the downturn, rather than laying them off; an approach which I support, however the flow of financial support has to be quicker.
“We’ve seen four economic summits and promising announcements here and there but what is being said in government is not having the desired affect where it matters – on the factory floor, in business boardrooms and around the kitchen table.”
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