Eastbourne MP Holds Talk with Local Businesses Following the Budget

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde hosted a roundtable today (9th November), bringing together representatives from across the retail and hospitality sectors to discuss the impact of last month’s Budget.

During the discussion, businesses outlined their concerns about the mounting pressures they face, as well as putting forward suggestions for how the Government could better support them. 

The roundtable provided an opportunity for business owners to share their experiences directly with their local MP, with Mr Babarinde reassuring attendees that their concerns and suggestions would be fed back directly to Government Ministers.

The Liberal Democrat MP has been clear that the Government needs to go further to give local businesses some "much-needed breathing space”.

The Lib Dems have proposed a £14 billion package of cost-of-living measures, including a temporary VAT cut for hospitality, accommodation and attractions, aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses.

In a statement, Mr Babarinde said: 

“Businesses across Eastbourne and the country are facing an increasingly challenging economic climate, with rising costs and mounting pressures placing an ever-greater burden on them.

Against this backdrop, the measures announced by Chancellor John Healey in the Budget simply did not go far enough to address the challenges facing businesses.

I will be taking the concerns and experiences shared with me today directly to Ministers and pressing the Government to do more to support our local businesses and give them the support they need to thrive.”

Luke Shevels, President of the Chamber, described the meeting as “Very helpful and productive"

He added:

"I want to thank Josh for taking the time to meet with us and represent the voices of Chamber members and the wider business community.”