Here’s what York business leaders want

We asked two leading figures in the high street and hospitality sectors what they wanted from the Chancellor today.

Here’s what David Skaith, the chair of York High Street Forum, told us:

Many businesses have seriously struggled to just survive after the pandemic, to now only be thrust into a cost of living crises, the invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing issues of leaving the EU.

We need a delay on the National Insurance rise. And some kind of cap on energy prices, especially for smaller businesses who are still struggling after the pandemic.

And Helen Heraty the owner of award winning boutique hotel Grays Court on Chapter House Street in York, called for the cut in VAT to stay put for hospitality.

A raise now would be “catastrophic, with accommodation and food being the hardest hit,” she told YorkMix, adding

The increase in VAT is money that goes straight into the government’s pocket – which means businesses will have to raise prices for consumers who are already struggling with the increasing cost of living.

You can read the full story here.