An MP representing a South Somerset constituency has called the Budget a "wasted opportunity."
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, brought local business owners together at the Lanes Hotel on the morning of Monday, December 1, to discuss the chancellor’s Budget and what it means for the area’s economy.
However, he was left dissatisfied with the chancellor's proposals and how it would affect the South Somerset economy.
In particular, he noted its impact on the hospitality sector, as highlighted by Shaun Whitehouse, owner of Lanes Hotel.
Mr Whitehouse voiced his concerns regarding the state of the hospitality sector amidst rising costs and the lack of targeted support.
He said: "Our sector is one of the largest private sector employers in the country.
"We animate high streets, drive tourism, and create first jobs, second careers and lifelong professions.
"We contribute billions in tax while operating on some of the tightest margins in the British economy.
"And yet, this budget treats us as if none of that matters.
"It offers virtually nothing for a sector still absorbing higher energy costs, wage pressures and supply chain inflation.
"Hospitality has once again been left to fend for itself."
Mr Whitehouse also pointed out failings in the Budget, such as rising business rates despite promises of relief, refusal to introduce targeted VAT support for hospitality, and the lack of any plan to address workforce shortages.
He added: "At a time when hospitality is fighting to survive, innovate and invest, we have been met not with partnership but with indifference.
"Our anger is fuel for constructive change."
Following the meeting, Mr Dance said: "This Budget was a wasted opportunity.
"Local businesses needed stability, a proper plan for growth and real support.
"Instead, they got chaos, confusion and higher taxes.
"As the Liberal Democrats have said, this was a botched budget delivered by a chancellor who has diagnosed the disease but refuses to offer the cure."
The discussion was not limited to the hospitality sector.
Representatives from construction, care, retail, farming, education, and manufacturing industries described facing rising wage bills, high energy charges, difficulties in recruitment and retention, falling consumer confidence and squeezed margins.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Dance suggested these issues are being exacerbated by government policies.
He said: "People here are working hard to keep their businesses going, yet the government is pushing them to breaking point with rising costs, unfair tax rises and constant uncertainty."
Mr Dance concluded by reinforcing the necessity for a government that supports businesses, family farms and provides a coherent future economic strategy.
He said: "This Budget does none of that.
"I will continue standing up for our communities and pushing for the fair and stable economic strategy we urgently need."
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