Polly has welcomed a landmark announcement in the budget that will see a permanent cut to business rates for more than 2,600 retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses in Thanet — reducing them to their lowest level since 1991.
Polly has long campaigned for targeted support for coastal economies and said the decision represented a major step forward for local high streets and independent businesses. In total, more than 750,000 businesses across the country stand to benefit from the changes.
She said:
“Small- and medium sized businesses are the bedrock of Thanet’s economy. For months, I have been pushing the Chancellor to do more to support coastal economies like ours, so I am delighted by the announcement of a permanent cut to business rates for over 2,600 retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses in Thanet to the lowest level since 1991. This is a real boost for the small firms that keep our towns thriving — from shops and cafés to pubs, venues, and visitor attractions.”
Polly recently attended an event for South East small business owners hosted by the Chancellor at Number 11 Downing Street, accompanied by Katy Lassen, the owner of Harbour & Tide, a sustainable gift and beach-accessories shop on Margate seafront.
Polly also welcomed measures in the budget intended to tackle the cost of living, including a £150 cut to the average energy bill, a freeze on prescription charges and train fares, and measures that are projected to lift more than 3,000 children in Thanet out of poverty.