Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson has reaffirmed his strong support for local businesses, calling for urgent action to ease the burden of rising costs. Speaking in the House of Commons during a Conservative Opposition Day Debate on the party’s plan to cut business rates, Dr Hudson urged the Government to back local enterprises that are the backbone of communities across Epping Forest.
The Conservative Party has proposed a plan to reduce Government spending in order to deliver business rate cuts for 250,000 businesses, including pubs, restaurants, theatres, and shops. While the Conservative Party, including Dr Hudson, voted in favour of this proposal, the Labour Party voted against it.
In his intervention in the Chamber, Dr Hudson highlighted how many excellent local businesses are facing increasing pressures as a result of the Chancellor’s economic choices, naming a number of much-valued establishments across Epping Forest, including the Queen Victoria pub and Il Bacio in Theydon Bois, Gosht and Alecco in Buckhurst Hill, Papillon in Chigwell, and Poppy’s Café in Epping.
In the Chamber, Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson, said:
“In Epping Forest, we have fantastic pubs, restaurants and cafés - including the Queen Vic, Il Bacio, Gosht, Alecco, Papillon and Poppy’s - but they are all struggling under this Labour Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government should listen to our sensible proposals to cut business rates and help them to get their energy bills and food costs down?”
Speaking after the debate, Dr Neil Hudson said:
“Our local businesses are at the heart of our towns and villages, sustaining jobs, communities, and high streets across Epping Forest and beyond. I know how challenging recent months have been for business owners facing higher costs as a result of the Labour Chancellor’s decisions.
“The Conservatives’ plan to cut business rates is a practical step to help these fantastic local enterprises thrive. I will continue to stand up for our hardworking local businesses in Parliament and ensure their voices are heard.”
