A huge hike in business rates has hit a Taunton garden centre.
Monkton Elm Garden Centre was mentioned in Parliament on Tuesday, March 3, by Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, in reply to the chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement.
Mr Amos said: “Monkton Elm Garden Centre, with its 400-cover restaurant employing 120 staff, has been hit by a £70,000 increase in its business rates this year as part of £178,000 in costs put on by the last Budget.”
He called on the government to extend the 15 per cent business rate discount for pubs to restaurants, suggesting this could offer vital support to businesses like Monkton Elm.
Mr Amos also explained that the Liberal Democrats’ proposed five per cent VAT cut would be funded by a tax on banks rather than cuts to services.
The chancellor responded by saying the government is reviewing how the Valuation Office Agency calculates business rates, including for the hospitality sector.
She also questioned the Liberal Democrats’ proposal to cut retail, hospitality, and leisure VAT, noting that the coalition government increased VAT 15 years ago.
Following the debate, Mr Amos said: “Aside from the political banter, I’m pleased to have brought the chancellor’s attention to a really important issue for businesses in Taunton and Wellington.
“We now need to ensure the government really does come forward with more help for businesses like Monkton Elm.”
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