Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, challenged the Government’s Business Minister in the House of Commons today (Wednesday 12th) by asking what support they will give for to Sussex's high streets and hospitality businesses.
Andrew Griffith represents a rural constituency that includes many pubs, high street traders, restaurants, hotels and other types of visitor accommodation. He shared his concern that shops and restaurants will, on average, see a 50% increase and those of hotels will double
The South Downs MP pointed out that in just 20 days’ time, at the start of April, a tsunami of business rate rises will hit. This, at the same time as unemployment rising.
Andrew Griffith said that Government does not create jobs, businesses do, and he went on to challenge the minster to deliver the right support for those businesses so that they could deliver the jobs needed.
The MP said: “Young people need those jobs” and he asked the Business Minister “if he will finally postpone his business rate rise?”
Andrew Griffith has previously raised the subjects of business rates, hospitality and the Employment Rights Bill in the Chamber, challenging the government on their new policies which he says will damage jobs and growth.
In addition to being the Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs, Mr Griffith serves as the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade in the Shadow Cabinet. Before becoming an MP in December 2019, Andrew Griffith had a long career in business.
