Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they are also an important part of our local community providing goods and services, and in an ever more digital and automated world, they provide some human contact with a smile in many cases.

Small businesses create local jobs and opportunities for people as well as contributing to the growth of our economy.  We know they went through a lot during the Covid pandemic, which is why an unprecedented amount of support was provided by the Conservative government at that time.  

But those challenges have evolved.  Global inflation has created a difficult trading environment for small businesses.  While inflation is set to subside next year which helps everyone, it is important to ensure there are good conditions for small business to thrive and to give them support.

The Conservatives are committed to helping small businesses and I want to see more succeed in Crawley.  Measures include implementing a £14 billion business rates support package, raising employment allowances for businesses, and making it easier for new entrepreneurs and businesses to access the funding they need.

The £14 billion business rates package helps high streets and supports small businesses with day-to-day costs.  This support includes a freeze to the Business Rates multiplier, a Transitional Relief Scheme, a Supporting Small Businesses Scheme, and a 75% retail, hospitality and leisure relief, worth up to £110,000 per business, meaning small businesses are protected from huge costs.

The employment allowance has been increased to £5,000, delivering a £1,000 tax cut for small businesses.  The Employment Allowance cuts employers’ national insurance tax bills, by increasing the employment allowance even further to £5,000 from April, which will deliver a new £1,000 tax cut for half a million small businesses.

There is support for business with the cost of their energy bills, with the Energy Bills Relief Scheme that is protecting businesses right now. By January, the government will bring forward proposals to support business energy bills beyond April 2023, focusing future support where it is needed most, such as for energy intensive industries, small businesses, and the hospitality sector.

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

10th December 2022