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03
Mar 2021
Chancellor's budget does not go far enough, say opposition parties
Opposition political parties in the Harrogate district have said the Chancellor’s budget does not go far enough to help businesses, NHS staff and the climate.
In his Budget statement today, Rishi Sunak extended the furlough scheme and announced extensions to the business rates holiday and 5% VAT cut for hospitality and tourism.
He unveiled an extra £400 million in grants for the arts sector and £5 billion in financial support for high street shops and other businesses.
But, Cllr Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council, said the budget did not go far enough to help businesses and the future of the high street.
Cllr Marsh said:
Meanwhile, the Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party said businesses may still find it difficult to balance the books during furlough.
Margaret Smith, chair of the local Labour Party, said it welcomed the extension to the scheme but added that some firms, such as pubs and restaurants, will find it tough once they have to contribute towards furlough.
She said:
Read more:
- Harrogate town centre cleaned ready for return of retail
- Harrogate businesses welcome furlough extension
Shan Oakes, chair of the Harrogate and District Green Party, said there was nothing to support the climate or biodiversity in the budget.
She said:
The Stray Ferret contacted the district’s Conservative MPs Andrew Jones, Julian Smith and Nigel Adams for comment, but none responded by the time of publication.
We also contacted the Conservative leader of Harrogate Borough Council, Cllr Richard Cooper, but did not receive a response.
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