ARFON Assembly Member Sian Gwenllian is calling on the Welsh Government to provide permanent rate relief for community hydro schemes.

The Plaid Cymru AM is seeking assurances that hydro projects in her constituency can continue to benefit from 100% rate relief for 2020-21.

Following pressure from her party in the Welsh Assembly, community hydro schemes such as Ynni Ogwen and Anafon were protected from steep increases in rates of up to 900% for 2019-20.

Now, Ms Gwenllian has called on Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths to permanently scrap the schemes taxes.

"The Welsh Government has declared a climate emergency and indicated a desire to act in this area," she said.

"My constituents and the people of Wales demand proof that those aren’t just empty words.

"I urge the Welsh Government as part of its long-term commitment to tackle climate change, to commit to permanently scrapping taxes on community hydro schemes.

"This would abate concerns within the industry and provide community energy schemes with the certainty they need to re-invest their profits within their communities.

"If we are to build a green nation then community hydro schemes must be a fundamental part of that. However, small community run schemes require long-term certainty.

"The Welsh Government must provide long-term certainty for the sector so that our communities can continue to benefit from this type of green, sustainable investment for many years to come."