MP for Epsom & Ewell Helen Maguire says the decision by the Chancelflor in the recent Budget to increase employer NI contributions and not set out exemptions will put a significant strain on local small businesses and care providers

The announcement saw an unfair tax rise on small businesses and workers, who are already struggling to keep themselves afloat.

Before the Budget, Helen Maguire signed a letter along with dozens of fellow MPs urging the Chancellor to overhaul the broken business rates system. However, post-Budget, small businesses were left reeling, with business rates having almost doubled and now an increase in employer National Insurance contributions as well.

Epsom-based small business owner Sue Nithyanandan has 15 staff on her payroll, and the measures announced by the Chancellor have unfairly targeted people like her who are going to struggle to absorb the additional costs.

When asked how the Budget will affect local businesses, Sue said:

“The rise in employer’s NI together with the increase in the National Living Wage impacts a business like ours that needs an adequate workforce to give a good service and run efficiently.

“As a small business, we are embedded in and committed to the community around us, and the staff have gone to school locally and live and work nearby. Unfortunately, we do not have the finances to reinvest in the business and incentivise staff. This comes at a time when it is already difficult to survive, especially with the current levels of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.”

MP for Epsom & Ewell Helen Maguire said:

“Local businesses in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead make an incredible contribution to our constituency, and we are lucky to have them. They serve as the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy. We need to back them so they can continue providing us with their fantastic services.

“I hope the Government will reconsider all the extra tax burdens imposed on small businesses and give them a desperately needed lifeline.”