Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales Assembly Member Helen Mary Jones has commented on the unfairness of business rates in Tenby. "Pembrokeshire has a fragile economy and it seems shocking that businesses in the county are being punished rather than encouraged," she said. "Business rates in the county have increased by 17 per cent, which is bad in itself, but when you consider that the equivalent increase in Tenby is an incredible 27 per cent, it just isn't fair." Helen Mary Jones, who represents the Mid and West Wales region, which includes Pembrokeshire, also commented on a possible solution. "Under the Assembly Rural Rate Relief Initiative certain areas have up to 50 per cent relief, which is a great help, so why can't this happen in Tenby?" she queried. "The Assembly Government has to step in and help what is an important part of Pembrokeshire's economy." She added: "Tenby is a success story and a town known throughout the United Kingdom and beyond as a place of beauty with a warm welcome, but as everyone knows, our tourist season isn't that long, so why should they be punished. Long established family businesses in Tenby are being forced to close down; this isn't right and can't carry on."