Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed a tax hike set to hit workers across the area.
Harrogate workers are set to lose nearly £3,000 from their pay by the end of the decade – with an average hit of almost £500 in the next year alone – according to new analysis by the Liberal Democrats.
The warning comes after the Labour government’s hike to employers’ National Insurance contributions came into effect this month.
The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that 76% of the cost will be passed on to workers through lower wages.
Since the announcement last autumn, local MP Tom Gordon said he has been “inundated” with concerns from charities, care providers, and businesses.
Tom Gordon said:
“The Chancellor’s jobs tax is setting already stretched household finances up for another battering, right in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
“After years of Conservative economic vandalism, this Labour government is now risking a wave of boarded-up shops across our much-loved high streets, leaving local businesses on the brink.
“The Government cannot go on pretending that their jobs tax won’t hurt people’s pockets. It is workers, town centres, and small businesses who will bear the brunt.
“The Chancellor must immediately scrap her jobs tax and overhaul the broken business rates system. Only then can we unlock Harrogate and Knaresborough’s full growth potential and protect local jobs and finances.”
In Parliament, Tom shared the stories of charities in his constituency facing severe financial strain.
One expects to be hit with an additional £90,000 in annual costs, while another estimates £160,000 increase due to higher NICs.
Tom explained how ‘the rug had been pulled from beneath them.’
The MP said he and his Liberal Democrat colleagues are calling on the Chancellor to scrap the jobs tax and “overhaul the broken business rates system.”
Viral pub crawler returns to Knaresborough pubs
Coral Windows begins new sponsorship with Harrogate Junior football club
Tickets go on sale for Love to Be Festival 2026 in Harrogate
Allotment in Harrogate sell pumpkins to raise money for community shed
Mayor of North Yorkshire visits Harrogate company to reduce digital inequality
New mental health hub opens in Harrogate
Stump Cross Cavern shortlisted for People's Choice Award
Your Christmas to provide seasonal joy on DAB across North Yorkshire
Communities asked to help support new opportunities in Harrogate
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust signs Smokefree Pledge
Henshaws Festive Showcase to return to Ripon for a second year
Dame Judi Dench calls Harrogate Spring Water plans '‘environmental vandalism’
Theme park in Ripon listed for sale at £3 Million
Ripon Community Bonfire to return next week
Harrogate festival shortlisted for 'Best Festival Newcomer' award
Do Not Drink Warning issued for parts of Harrogate after water quality tests
Police identify man who died after collision in Beckwithshaw
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show
Specsavers to support Halloween events in Ripon
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
