Local MP calls on Chancellor to “back rural businesses” at the Spring Statement

Local Liberal Democrat MP Claire Young has called on the Chancellor to deliver a Spring Statement that will “save rural businesses” on Wednesday.

In December last year, Beko closed their Yate site – resulting in the loss of around 250 jobs and dealing a big blow to the town and surrounding area.

Now businesses in Thornbury & Yate have expressed alarm at the impending hike in employers’ national insurance set to come into effect on April 6th.

Claire Young has said it would be unacceptable for the Chancellor to push further businesses “to the wall” through a new jobs tax and called on Rachel Reeves to scrap it at the Spring Statement.

Alongside scrapping the jobs tax, the local MP called on the Chancellor to deliver a Statement that would “back rural businesses” by overhauling the business rates system to unleash growth in the community.

Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury & Yate Claire Young said:

“Businesses across our area have already told me about the dread they feel ahead of the Government’s jobs tax hitting their finances next month.

“Much loved businesses that provide great services for our communities now risk going to the wall if they are hammered again so soon after years of Conservative economic mismanagement. That is why the Chancellor must come forward with a Statement that backs rural businesses.

“She must start by scrapping her damaging jobs tax and overhauling business rates, which will ease the burden and allow our local businesses to thrive.”