VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Small Businesses: Cornwall

Asked by Ben MaguireLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 11 February 2025UIN 28766

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans his Department has to support small-medium enterprises in Cornwall, in the context of the proposed rise in employers' National Insurance contributions.

Answered by Gareth Thomas

The government is reforming business rates to offer permanent reductions for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties, which represent a significant portion of Cornwall's SMEs. We have also shielded the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of increased Employer National Insurance by raising the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500.

Looking ahead, the government has announced plans to launch a Business Growth Service, designed as a national initiative with local delivery at its core, and will publish a Small Business Strategy Command Paper later this year.

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