Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, has welcomed new measures announced in the Labour Government’s Budget to support local businesses, reduce business rates and help revitalise high streets across the country.
The Budget includes a package of support for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, ensuring that eligible properties across England will see their business rates frozen in real terms, reduced or cut to zero from April 2027.
As part of the measures, the Government is increasing the threshold for Small Business Rate Relief, meaning around 70,000 high street businesses will no longer pay business rates at all. This will mean approximately half of all retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will be exempt from business rates.
For other qualifying businesses in these sectors, business rates bills will be frozen in real terms for two years, helping provide greater certainty for businesses looking to invest, grow and protect jobs.
The Chancellor has also announced £285 million for new Good Growth Funds, alongside greater financial powers for local leaders, helping communities have more control over investment and economic development in their areas.
The measures form part of the Government’s wider commitment to supporting local economies, protecting jobs and ensuring that high streets remain at the heart of communities.
Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, said:
“Our high streets are at the heart of our communities. From independent shops and cafés to pubs, restaurants and other local businesses, they provide jobs, bring people together and give our town its character.
“But we know that running a business has become increasingly challenging, with rising costs putting pressure on businesses of all sizes. Here in Crawley, supporting our town centre and neighbourhood shopping parades is essential to ensuring that our local economy continues to thrive.
“That’s why I welcome the Government’s announcement that business rates will be frozen in real terms, reduced or abolished altogether for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Taking a further 70,000 businesses out of paying rates altogether will make a real difference, particularly for smaller independent businesses operating on tight margins.
“I’m also pleased to see the Government giving local leaders greater financial powers and investing £285 million through new Good Growth Funds. Local communities understand their own needs best, and giving them more control over investment and regeneration is an important step towards delivering lasting economic growth.”
“Crawley has enormous potential, and I want to see a thriving town centre, successful local businesses and high streets that people are proud to visit. These measures are a welcome step towards giving businesses the breathing space they need while helping to secure a brighter future for our high streets and the communities they serve.”
ENDS
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