Local Liberal Democrat MP, Caroline Voaden, has called on the Chancellor to deliver a Spring Statement that will “save South Devon’s high streets” on Wednesday.
It comes as businesses in South Devon have expressed alarm at the impending hike in employers national insurance set to come into effect on April 6th.
In a recent survey, Devon Chamber of Commerce found that some 77% of businesses are “very concerned” about the impact the NI rise is likely to have on their operations. Concerns have been raised over the negative impact this rise will have on cash flow and profitability, leaving businesses unable to offer pay rises and instead possibly needing to reduce staffing levels and investment.
Caroline Voaden MP has said it would be utterly unacceptable for the Chancellor to risk businesses in South Devon “going to the wall” because of this jobs tax and called on Rachel Reeves to scrap the increase at the Spring Statement.
Alongside scrapping the jobs tax, the local MP called on the Chancellor to deliver a Statement that would “save South Devon’s high streets” by overhauling the business rates system to unleash growth in the community.
Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, Caroline Voaden said:
“Small businesses across South Devon, particularly in the hospitality industry, have contacted me to express their concern at the impact of increased national insurance contributions, combined with higher input costs and inflation.
“Pubs are having to operate reduced hours, hotels and restaurants are struggling to see how they can retain enough staff to balance their books.
“We’re also seeing shops on high streets choose to close their doors because running a profitable business is becoming impossible and there is little help for them. That is why the Chancellor must come forward with a Statement to save South Devon’s high streets.
“She must start by scrapping this damaging jobs tax and overhauling business rates to allow our local businesses to thrive.
“As Hospitality is such a key sector in South Devon, contributing £399.6m to the local economy and employing 7,500 people, I hope to hold a series of roundtable meetings in the coming months to hear firsthand about the issues businesses are facing as well as to discuss solutions. I would encourage hospitality businesses to get in touch with me by emailing caroline.voaden.mp@parliament.uk if they are interested in taking part.
“I would also be grateful if local businesses could take part in the survey on my website, where they can share their views on current challenges and opportunities. Find the survey at carolinevoaden.com/business-survey”
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
