Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has raised serious concerns in Parliament about the cumulative impact of recent government decisions on rural areas such as North Yorkshire.
Speaking during an Opposition Day debate on rural communities, Julian highlighted how North Yorkshire faces unique challenges, including sparse infrastructure, reliance on small businesses and hospitality, and long-standing pressures on farming and local services.
Julian pointed to a series of policy changes that are worsening the situation: farm tax measures, additional employment regulations for small businesses, removal of rural services grants, and changes to local government funding.
Julian also noted significant cost increases for pubs and hospitality venues - via business rates valuations - which play a vital role in rural life by providing jobs, social spaces, and community support.
He called for urgent action to review business rates valuations, reassess local government settlements, and introduce a cumulative impact test to ensure future policies do not disproportionately harm rural communities.
You can watch Julian's full speech here.
