Anna Sabine MP says urgent clarity is needed for local businesses

Anna Sabine MP says urgent clarity is needed for local businesses

The Lib Dem MP for Frome and East Somerset, Anna Sabine has said Ministers must urgently provide clarity to pubs, hospitality and high street businesses, amid rumours that the Government may be planning to reduce planned rises to business rates. 

Following the recent u-turn in Family Farm Tax which had needlessly placed the agricultural industries into turmoil, Anna warns the Government must act now to reverse their plans to business rate rises that is currently hanging over local business and the hospitality sector. 

“Like so many of the proposed tax rises of the past 14 months, the threat to business rate hikes has plunged local businesses into a state of chaos and instability as they try to grapple with high-energy bills, a jobs tax and potential increase in business rates. Ministers must decide now and announce a u-turn today for business to find their feet again and have any hope of survival.” Anna said. 

Pubs and hospitality venues across the South West deserve to have to clear guidelines once and for all so that they can plan and operate their businesses appropriately. The alternative prospect of a countryside devoid of local pubs and shops is not one any of us want to see”

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for an emergency cut to VAT for the hospitality sector as a ‘last chance’ to boost high streets and cut costs for local families.