Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dem MP launches ‘save our highstreets' plan after shock business closures and job losses
Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has launched a “save our highstreets” plan as new analysis reveals the hit delivered to jobs and businesses.
According to official ONS figures, North Yorkshire saw 1400 businesses close their doors in the first half of 2026. This led to an overall reduction in the number of local firms by 85, as the number of business closures overtook the number of new businesses opening.
This comes after North Yorkshire lost 15 arts, entertainment, and recreation venues between 2019 and 2024, which are particularly important to Harrogate’s tourism offering, under the previous Conservative Government. Tom Gordon said early reports of businesses considering closure are extremely concerning and the Government must take urgent action to implement the Liberal Democrats’ plan to support local businesses.
It includes an emergency 5% VAT cut on hospitality, accommodation and attractions - boosting local pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues while saving people money on the occasional extra.
The plan also calls for an overhaul of the broken business rates system, replacing it with a Commercial Landowner Levy, abandoning the unfair National Insurance Contribution (NIC) hike and increased local powers to tackle illicit vape shops.
Tom Gordon says high streets, and in particular hospitality is essential for local employment as 7540 local people are looking for a job, an increase of 300 compared to last year. The number of young people out of a job has also reached 1315 - an increase of 115 compared to a year ago.
On top of the raft of national policies, Tom has launched a local survey to better understand challenges and opportunities for local businesses. The survey can be completed here.
Tom said:
“In North Yorkshire we’ve seen an unacceptable rise in job losses and business difficulties, following decades of neglect and mismanagement by consecutive Labour and the Conservatives governments.
“Our high streets are dying but it’s not too late to save them. The Government must stop dragging its feet and implement the Liberal Democrats’ plan to bring the hustle and bustle back to our town centres, restore the high streets as the heart of our communities and make them a safe place for everyone to enjoy.
“We need North Yorkshire Council to step up their game too and do more to support local businesses.”
