Anna Sabine MP says the Government’s Budget does not go far enough to support local businesses and families, despite welcoming its decision to retain Healthwatch.
The Liberal Democrat MP said she had already heard from local business owners following Wednesday’s Budget announcement, with many concerned that the measures do not go far enough to address the pressures they face.
Anna said:
“I’ve been hearing from local businesses since yesterday afternoon, and this Budget clearly doesn’t cut it.
“Our high streets depend on small, independent businesses. These are the shops, cafés and businesses that give our towns their character, support local jobs and keep money circulating in our communities.
“The government has announced some help on business rates and fuel duty, but that won’t erase the pressure local businesses are already under. It has still failed to reverse the increase in employer National Insurance contributions introduced last year, whichhas pushed up employment costs for many employers.
“Our small businesses need a tax system that helps them grow, invest and take on staff, not one that makes doing so more expensive.
“The Office for Budget Responsibility expects economic growth to slow to just 1% in 2027. If the Government is serious about growth, it needs to back the small businesses that create jobs and opportunities in communities like ours, not leave them strugglingunder the weight of rising costs.”
Anna also raised concerns about the help announced for households facing rising energy bills.
The Government has announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for eligible households in England in council tax bands A to D. However, forecasts suggest typical annual energy bills could rise by around £470 next year.
Anna added:
“Of course, £100 towards an energy bill is welcome. But when forecasts suggest a typical household’s annual energy bill could rise by nearly £500 next year, it’s clear that this alone won’t be enough.
“Families need help with the cost of living, but they also need a longer-term plan to bring bills down. And in a rural constituency like ours, where around one in ten households rely on heating oil, we need solutions that recognise the particular pressuresrural communities face.
“I’ll keep pressing the Government to do more for households and businesses across Frome and East Somerset.”
Anna did welcome the Government’s decision to retain Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations following pressure from the Liberal Democrats.
Healthwatch acts as an independent champion for patients and people using social care services. It listens to people’s experiences, helps them understand their rights and raises concerns with the NHS, councils and other decisionmakers to push for improvements.
Anna said:
“I’m pleased the Government has listened to concerns and backed down on plans to abolish Healthwatch.
“It gives patients and the public an independent voice, helping make sure their experiences of health and social care services are heard by the people responsible for delivering them. That matters, and it’s right that this work continues.
“But while there are measures to welcome, the Government needs to do more to support the independent businesses, households and rural communities that are still struggling with rising costs.”
