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Chancellor's Budget must deliver 'real change' for Harrogate and Knaresborough, says local MP

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 07:50

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Local MP Tom Gordon has said that the Chancellor "must deliver real change" in Harrogate and Knaresborough ahead of today's Budget.

Tom said the Budget must ‘back local businesses and support high streets,’ as well as scrap the “unfair” National Insurance hike and abolish the Family Farm Tax.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her Budget in the Commons at 12.30pm today.

The Liberal Democrats say this Budget must be a “turning point” in delivering real economic growth, tackling the cost of living, ‘saving’ high streets and ‘properly funding the NHS, schools and local councils.’

Tom Gordon MP said:

“Across Harrogate and Knaresborough and Yorkshire, families face soaring bills, businesses are being squeezed, and public services are on their knees.

“This Budget is the Government’s chance to deliver real change, but instead of growth and better services they have hammered small businesses, high streets and hardworking families.

“The Conservatives left behind a damaged economy, but the Chancellor has repeatedly made the wrong choices.

"We need real change in Harrogate and Knaresborough that tackles the cost of living, drives growth and makes big banks, tech giants and large online gambling companies pay their fair share, instead of punishing local businesses, hardworking families and farmers.”

On rural communities, Tom added:

“It is vital that the Family Farm Tax is abolished.

"Keeping it would show the Government does not understand rural communities at all – and would be a devastating blow to family farms.”

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