Tom Gordon MP - ‘Government’s Business Rates Package Does Not Go Far Enough’

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has warned that the government’s business rates package announced today falls far short of what high street businesses need, leaving shops, restaurants and cafes with no meaningful support and offering pubs little more than crumbs. 

Responding to the announcement, Tom said he was disappointed the government had again failed the wider retail and hospitality sector, ignoring Liberal Democrat calls for permanent business rates cuts and instead focusing narrowly on pubs and music venues while leaving shops, cafés and restaurants facing steep rises alone. 

The Government’s support for pubs falls far short of the action required, offering just £1,650 per pub, barely denting the tens of thousands in extra business rates and unlikely to prevent closures or job losses. 

Since his election, Tom has met regularly with hospitality and high street businesses across Harrogate and Knaresborough, including chef Tommy Banks, who recently launched Jeopardy Hospitality to revive local venues. Business owners consistently warn that government decisions are making survival harder, with many now on the brink. 

Tom supports Liberal Democrat calls for a 5% VAT cut across hospitality and permanent business rates reductions for retail, hospitality and leisure, not just pubs, to give high streets a fighting chance. 

Commenting on the news, Tom Gordon MP said:

‘High streets are crying out for real support, but this package leaves shops, cafés and restaurants out in the cold and offers pubs little more than a token gesture. For businesses facing tens of thousands of pounds in extra costs, this simply isn’t enough. 

‘Local businesses are being squeezed from every direction, rising energy bills, higher rents, increased National Insurance and business rates, with no breathing space at all. 

‘The government must act now by cutting VAT for the whole hospitality sector and permanently lowering business rates across retail, hospitality and leisure. Our high streets need a fair deal, not half-measures.’