My latest column for the Ham & High, published online on 21 November and available to read here or in print from your local newsagent.  Please support our vital, campaigning local press.

“First Brexit, then a pandemic, now a recession.  Small businesses in Hornsey & Wood Green have had a torrid few years and face yet another tough winter.

In the run up to Small Business Saturday on 3 December, I’m seeking a debate in Parliament about how we help our brilliant small businesses through these difficult times.

Unfair business rates, a crashed economy, soaring energy costs and supply chain issues are just some of the difficulties local traders have raised with me in recent months.  One said I feel penalised for locating myself in the heart of the community, because I’m getting clobbered by high business rates while the internet giants sit back and take our customers.  Another told me they pay their staff the living wage, but often don’t even earn that themselves because business rates are so high.

A Labour Government would immediately cut business rates and eventually scrap them completely, in favour of a new form of business taxation fit for the 21^st century.  One that levels the playing field between online giants and bricks and mortar businesses and is paid for through a new Digital Services Tax on the global revenues of tech giants.  We’d also make eye watering energy bills a thing of the past with a new publicly owned energy generator.

The world is changing, and our taxation systems need to change with it, but the Tories seem to act as though the internet doesn’t exist.  Because they’ve turned their back on fundamental reforms, Labour’s been pushing for short-term support to get businesses through this difficult winter with an increase in the threshold for small business rates relief.  In total our plans would save our high streets more than £1 billion.

That money is desperately needed.  I’ve long campaigned against high street bank closures because when high streets are thriving, they’re the cornerstone of communities, bringing people into the area, improving safety, appearance and creating good local jobs, growth, and opportunities.  I want all our local high streets to thrive but that won’t happen if small businesses are pushed out.

I know many of you will be cutting back yourself this Christmas, worried about your own bills during this cost-of-living crisis.  But if you are looking for gifts this festive season, please shop locally, and support Small Business Saturday.  It’s better for the environment, for jobs and keeps more money in Hornsey & Wood Green.  We’re home to so many brilliant businesses – let’s do everything we can to help them thrive.”