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Government's business rates package 'does not go far enough’, says Harrogate MP

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 08:09

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has warned that the Government's business rates package announced yesterday (Tuesday) "falls far short of what high street businesses need."

The Liberal Democrat MP said the package leaves shops, restaurants and cafes with no meaningful support and offers pubs little more than crumbs.

Responding to the announcement, Tom said he was 'disappointed' that the government had again failed the wider retail and hospitality sector, with the Government’s support offering around just £1,650 per pub.

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.

Tom said that business owners have 'consistently warned' that government decisions are making survival harder, with many now 'on the brink.'

He 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."

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