Bath MP presses government for more support for struggling businesses this winter

6 December 2023

On November 30th, Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, marked Small Business Saturday in the House of Commons, a day to celebrate and support local independent businesses. The Bath MP, highlighted the importance of small businesses for communities like Bath.

During a question to Leader of the House, Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, Mrs Hobhouse celebrated that the Bath Christmas Market brought £50 million to the local economy last year.

However, the MP expressed concern that many businesses across the UK are still struggling to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. She noted that this year has seen the highest level of company insolvencies since 2009.

In response, Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt noted some measures in the autumn statement to assist high streets. However, Hobhouse said more targeted support, especially toward energy bill relief, is still needed for small businesses in her constituency and across the country.

She called on the government to take further action to help small businesses survive challenging economic conditions this winter. The day after raising this in the Commons, the Bath MP visited local businesses, Canned Wine Co., and the Abbey Deli, to show her support for the vibrancy, resilience and contributions they bring to the city.

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:

"Bath at Christmas time is magical, and I am overjoyed to see the success of so many local businesses.

Yet both here in Bath and across the country, many small businesses are struggling against the tide of the cost-of-living crisis. The autumn statement offered no energy support for businesses," Hobhouse said. "Can we have a ministerial statement on what the Government will do to stop businesses closing this winter?"

Councillor Paul Roper, B&NES Cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, added:

“Bath’s small local businesses make a unique contribution to our city’s character and economy. They are a showcase for our entrepreneurs and makers and a magnet for residents and visitors. Many local retailers have taken stalls at Bath’s popular Christmas market, which also boosts footfall and turnover for the whole city.

“As a council administration, we are working hard to help support the local economy. We are delivering fantastic regeneration schemes for our towns and local high streets, and thinking creatively about how to make retail areas more vibrant and attract people all year round.”