Post-Budget business concerns to be discussed at Totnes meeting

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden is inviting local business leaders to attend a post-Budget networking event in Totnes.

The event, which is open to businesses across the South Devon constituency, will take place in Totnes town centre on Monday 19 January, running from 9am to 10.30am.

Ms Voaden said she is keen to hear directly from business owners following what she described as a difficult 12 months, including the Chancellor’s Budget delivered last November.

Business reaction to the Budget was reported to be muted, with concerns raised over the Chancellor’s decision not to scrap the rise in employer national insurance contributions introduced the previous autumn.

In the run-up to the Budget, the Liberal Democrats had urged the Chancellor to cut VAT by 5 per cent for hospitality and accommodation businesses, sectors seen as vital to the South Devon economy and which the party says have been adversely affected by Labour’s tax policies.

To attend the post-Budget networking event, businesses are asked to register via Caroline Voaden’s website or email caroline.voaden.mp@parliament.uk. The exact location will be shared with attendees.

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden said: “The recent budget was an opportunity the Chancellor missed on a massive scale. She could have fired up the economy but instead she chose measures that will only prolong the stagnation we have seen for years, under both the Conservatives and now Labour.

“The Liberal Democrats repeatedly urged the Chancellor to offer businesses some relief; unfortunately, these calls were ignored. Against this backdrop, it’s more important than ever for politicians and business leaders to work together. That is why on Monday 19th January I will be in listening mode, to understand the challenges our local businesses face, and how I can use my role to help them.”

More information and registration details are available on Ms Voaden’s website.