Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has stepped up his campaign to highlight the mounting pressures on businesses in North Yorkshire, submitting a series of written parliamentary questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
These questions, which you can read here: 99771, 99770, 100324, 99768, and 99769, focus on the combined impact of the 2026 business rates revaluation, rising employer National Insurance contributions, and escalating energy costs on local businesses.
Julian asked the Chancellor what assessment had been made of the potential impact of business rates revaluation on hospitality and retail businesses in North Yorkshire, and on employment levels in the region. He also pressed for clarity on how increased employer National Insurance contributions would affect the viability of businesses and the number of people employed by SMEs locally. In addition, he asked the Energy Secretary to assess the effect of rising energy costs on businesses in North Yorkshire.
In response, the Treasury acknowledged that rateable values have risen since the pandemic but pointed to a £4.3 billion support package designed to cap bill increases and permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties worth nearly £900 million annually. The Government said more than half of ratepayers will see no increase or a reduction in bills, while others will have increases capped at 15 percent or £800 for the smallest properties. On employment, the Treasury cited the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast that employment will continue to rise every year through to 2030–31.
Regarding employer NICs, the Treasury referred to its Tax Information and Impact Note, which does not provide region-specific data but anticipates overall employment growth nationally.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero acknowledged that some businesses are struggling with costs and highlighted schemes to support them, including initiatives to decarbonise operations, targeted help for energy-intensive industries, and resources through the UK Business Climate Hub.
Speaking after receiving the responses, Julian said, “Local pubs, hospitality and high street businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs and vital spaces for people to come together. With the 2026 business rates revaluation, rising employer NICs and soaring energy costs, many are at risk of closure. I will keep pressing Ministers to ensure Government measures deliver real relief for North Yorkshire."
