Local MP calls on Chancellor to “save Torbay’s high streets” at the Spring Statement

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Steve Darling, has called on the Chancellor to deliver a Spring Statement that will “save Torbay’s high streets” on Wednesday.

It comes as businesses in Torbay have expressed alarm at the impending hike in employers national insurance set to come into effect on April 6th. 

Paignton and Torquay town centres are under significant pressure. With banks withdrawing, shops shutting down, and an unfair business rate system taking its toll, the strain has only worsened. These challenges have also contributed to a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Due to the prevalence of seasonal employment and tourism-related businesses, Torbay businesses are particularly vulnerable to increases in Employers' National Insurance contributions.

Steve has said it would be utterly unacceptable for the Chancellor to risk businesses in Torbay “going to the wall” because of this jobs tax and called on Rachel Reeves to scrap the increase at the Spring Statement.

In just nine months as Torbay’s MP, Steve has proven himself a dedicated advocate for our high streets. His “relentless lobbying” was even recognised by a government minister after Torquay was selected as one of 75 towns across the UK to benefit from the Government’s “Plan for Neighbourhoods” initiative.

Alongside scrapping the jobs tax, Steve has called on the Chancellor to deliver a Statement that would “save Torbay’s high streets” by overhauling the business rates system to unleash growth in the community.

Steve added:

“Countless businesses here in Torbay have already told me about the dread they feel ahead of the jobs tax coming into force.

“Much loved businesses that provide great services for our communities now risk going to the wall if they are hammered again following years of Conservative economic vandalism.

“We simply cannot allow even more boarded up shop fronts in our town centres to come to pass. That is why the Chancellor must come forward with a Statement to save Torbay’s high streets.

“It must start by scrapping this damaging jobs tax and overhauling business rates to allow our local businesses to thrive.”