Budget changes to rates must not harm small businesses, says MP

The imminent threat of further harm to small businesses through business rate changes has been challenged by local Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart.

She challenged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to protect small businesses in particular from the impact of business rate changes at the forthcoming budget. 

Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove constituency, said: “I recently joined Sarah Laker and the wonderful team at Stationery Supplies in Marple to celebrate an impressive 20 years in business. But recent research by the British Retail Consortium and UK Hospitality has shown that 120,000 high street jobs are potentially at risk as a result of proposed changes to business rates next April. 

“Could the Chancellor and ministers confirm that the forthcoming budget will support my 250 local retail businesses through a meaningful reduction in rates and ensure that no shop pays more?

The Chancellor is already under pressure following repeated failures to rule out tax rises, against the promises made in the Labour election manifesto.

Lisa Smart MP added: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. And more than that, they are centres of the community across our area, from Marple to Mellor. 

“They have already been hit by the Government’s hikes in National Insurance – they must not be hit again.”