Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate, James Wild MP criticised the government’s decision to reduce business rates relief for retail, hospitality, and leisure from 75% to 40%, warning it will drive up costs for 250,000 businesses and put jobs at risk.
He highlighted that some shops face increases of up to £12,000, with pubs paying an average of £5,500 more, costs many cannot absorb.
He contrasted this with the previous Conservative-led Government’s record of supporting high streets through expanded relief schemes and regeneration funding in towns like King’s Lynn.
James called on Ministers to heed industry warnings and reverse course, cautioning that further financial pressures, on top of a £25 billion jobs tax, risk accelerating closures and damaging local economies.
