Local MP calls on Chancellor to deliver “bold plan to save Epsom & Ewell’s high streets” at the Spring Statement

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Helen Maguire, has called on the Chancellor to deliver a Spring Statement that “puts local enterprise first” on Wednesday.

It comes as businesses in Epsom & Ewell have expressed alarm at the impending hike in employers national insurance set to come into effect on 6 April 2025. 

The news is particularly concerning for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in Epsom & Ewell - who are already being squeezed by rising operational costs and corporation tax.

Helen Maguire MP has said it would be utterly unacceptable for the Chancellor to risk businesses in Epsom & Ewell and their employees because of this jobs tax and called on Rachel Reeves to scrap the increase at the Spring Statement.

Alongside scrapping the jobs tax, the local MP called on the Chancellor to deliver a Statement that would “save Epsom & Ewell’s high streets” by overhauling the business rates system to unleash growth in the community.

Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire said:

“Countless businesses here in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead have already told me about the dread they feel ahead of the jobs tax coming into force.

“Much loved businesses that provide great services for our communities may have no choice but to lay off staff, unless the Chancellor comes up with a bold plan to save Epsom & Ewell’s high streets, that puts local enterprise first.

“Small and medium sized businesses should not have to pay the price for the Government’s failure to grow the economy. They have already suffered enough after 14 years of economic vandalism from the Conservatives.

“It must start by scrapping this damaging jobs tax and overhauling business rates to allow our much-loved local businesses to thrive.”