Businesses along Somerset’s coast are facing an uncertain future unless urgent action is taken to reduce business rates and improve public transportation, warns Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead.
During a debate in Westminster Hall, Mrs. Gilmour highlighted the severe challenges confronting small businesses within her constituency. She stressed that escalating business rates combined with declining footfall have placed many enterprises on the brink of collapse. Furthermore, she emphasized the pressing need for major enhancements in rural transport to secure these businesses’ sustainability.
The government acknowledged the importance of maintaining Britain’s coastline as a vibrant and competitive destination, pledging to monitor the effects of recent policies closely.
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Mrs. Gilmour pointed out that in west Somerset, visitor spending sustains nearly two-thirds of employment, generating approximately £700 million annually across 8.4 million visitor days. Yet business owners like Cathy Britton, proprietor of Eduardo’s pizzeria and café in Porlock, report turnover down by 50% compared to the previous year. She attributes this slump to rising costs and fewer customers, noting that European tourists visiting local landmarks are surprised by the deserted high streets and limited shop openings.
The MP also underscored that the challenges extend beyond just coastal towns. Antique dealer Paul Hardy from Dulverton, nearly ten miles inland, revealed his business has suffered a 70% decrease due to reduced tourist traffic. He also voiced concerns over a new overnight visitor levy that could shorten the tourist season critical to his livelihood. Mrs. Gilmour stressed that the coastal economy is interconnected with inland commerce, with tourism driving broader regional activity.
A critical transport concern is the closure of the B3191 road between Blue Anchor and Watchet since January 2023. This has adversely impacted local communities dependent on reliable access. Somerset Council recently applied for a £40 million government grant to reopen the route, a bid Mrs. Gilmour strongly supports. She highlighted that both Watchet and Blue Anchor rely heavily on the A39 as their main artery, warning that failure of this single route could isolate the towns and devastate their tourism-driven economies.
Travelers have also endured delays on the A39, notably due to slow repairs at key junctions like Dunster Steep. Mrs. Gilmour pointed out how Minehead’s Butlin’s resort, a significant local employer hosting thousands of visitors weekly, suffers from poor transport connectivity, asserting that accessibility is vital for sustaining visitor numbers and supporting local jobs.
Mrs. Gilmour called on the government to utilize the Department for Transport’s £1 billion structures fund to address these transport issues, stressing that aiding coastal hospitality is about more than just business rates—it requires sustained investment in roads, bus services, and rail links.
Kate Dearden, parliamentary under-secretary for business and trade, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the prosperity of seaside communities. While she defended permanent reductions in business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, she did not address Mrs. Gilmour’s specific queries about the B3191 road closure. Dearden emphasized ongoing plans to review property valuation methods to better support pubs and hotels and promised consultations with businesses and workers to balance support and economic sustainability.
Despite government reassurances, local businesses like the Cider Barn in Draycott and Petruth Paddocks campsite in Cheddar have expressed fears of closure without policy changes.
In conclusion, Mrs. Gilmour vowed to continue advocating for the needs of her coastal constituency, highlighting the essential role that small businesses and transport infrastructure play in maintaining Somerset’s vibrant coastal economy.