I’m regularly contacted by residents and local business owners who are worried about the rising costs of doing business, especially when it comes to business rates. It’s an issue that directly affects the vibrancy and sustainability of our town centres, and it’s easy to understand why it causes such concern.
The Chancellor recently announced a significant reduction in business rates relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. From April, the current 75% relief will be cut to just 40%, while the existing £110,000 cap per business will remain in place.
This reduction means real financial pressure for many businesses on our high streets — from small, independent shops and cafés to larger employers that provide vital local jobs here in Crewe, Nantwich, and the surrounding areas. For many, this could threaten their survival and the economic health of our communities.
I have been engaging with local businesses to hear firsthand about the challenges they face. It is clear that these changes risk undermining the progress we have made in supporting our town centres to recover and thrive in recent years.
To ensure our voices are heard at the highest levels, I recently spoke with Sir Gavin Williamson MP, our neighbouring Staffordshire representative. Gavin took up this important cause and led a debate in Parliament this afternoon to raise awareness of the damaging impact these changes could have on towns like ours.
I want to express my sincere thanks to Gavin Williamson MP for taking on board the concerns of Crewe and Nantwich businesses and residents and for raising them so effectively during the debate. It is vital that government listens and acts to protect the lifeblood of our communities — our local businesses.
As we move forward, I will continue to champion the interests of our town centres and work closely with local partners to support business growth and economic resilience. Together, we can ensure Crewe and Nantwich remain vibrant places to live, work, and visit.