Graham has welcomed a bold new Conservative plan to boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the economy by abolishing high street business rates.
Under the plan, 343 local shops, pubs, and restaurants in Beverley and Holderness will save thousands of pounds on their tax bills, with the average pub saving £9,600.
This major tax cut will support small and medium-sized retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses, including vital rural enterprises such as farm shops.
The Conservatives’ approach stands in stark contrast to Labour’s record of hitting high streets with tax hikes, including doubling business rates and introducing their National Insurance rise, commonly referred to as the ‘Jobs Tax’.
Labour’s recent ‘Benefits Street Budget’, combined with recent rate revaluations, will see many hospitality businesses paying double their current rates, despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ promise that she would decrease business rates to their lowest level since 1991.
Graham has launched a petition to Save the High Street, which residents can sign at www.grahamstuart.com/SaveOurHighStreets
The Conservatives have also pledged to repeal the Employment Rights Bill, which would force small business owners to follow union demands and cost businesses £154 per worker.
Graham said: “Labour has hammered our high streets in Beverley and Holderness with tax rises, higher energy bills, and endless red tape.
“That is why I welcome the Conservatives’ plan to save local shops thousands of pounds a year by abolishing business rates, helping businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.
“This plan will let shops focus on expanding, hiring locally, and keeping prices down, putting more money in people’s pockets.”
Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor, said: “Our high streets and town centres have been battered by Labour. Increases in the Jobs Tax and energy bills have hit them hard, while business rates for pubs and shops have more than doubled. We want thriving high streets again. Pubs are vital to community life, yet they are closing at an alarming rate.
“We will take decisive action to save small businesses and revive our high streets, lifting a quarter of a million shops and pubs out of business rates altogether.
“Rachel Reeves claims to care, but her actions speak louder than words. Businesses have been left reeling as the Chancellor cut the rates relief introduced by the Conservatives—and plans to scrap it entirely next year.”
Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, said: “Labour does not understand business. Their disastrous tax grab proves as much.
“No sector has been hit harder by Rachel Reeves than hospitality—and everyone feels the impact through higher prices, pub and restaurant closures, and empty high streets.
“Our 100 per cent business rates relief will give a huge boost to struggling hospitality venues and help reinvigorate our town centres.
“Unlike Labour, the Conservatives are on the side of small businesses, which are key to delivering a stronger economy.”
