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Local MP calls on Chancellor to 'save Harrogate and Knaresborough high streets'

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 07:45

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the Chancellor to deliver a Spring Statement that will "save Harrogate and Knaresborough's high streets" tomorrow (Wednesday).

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

Since the announcement was made, Tom has met with a number of local businesses who are worried about the hike in costs that they will be forced to accept.

There are also concerns for the tourism industry, which is central to the economies of Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Tom Gordon has said it would be “utterly unacceptable” for the Chancellor to risk businesses in Harrogate and Knaresborough “going to the wall” because of this jobs tax.

He has called on Rachel Reeves to scrap the increase at the Spring Statement.

Alongside scrapping the jobs tax, the local MP called on the Chancellor to deliver a Statement that would “save Harrogate and Knaresborough’s high streets” by overhauling the business rates system.

Tom said:

“Countless businesses here in Harrogate and Knaresborough 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 boarded up shopfronts in our town centres to come to pass. That is why the Chancellor must come forward with a Statement to save our high streets.

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

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