Adam Dance MP urges government to scrap NICs hike harming South West businesses

Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, has called on the government to scrap its “damaging” increase in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs), warning of the harmful impact on local small businesses. Recent polling by the Liberal Democrats revealed that 43% of people in the South West expect more small business closures due to the rise in NICs.
 

The survey also highlighted that 59% of people in the region anticipate price increases in local small businesses, while nearly half (48%) believe job opportunities in these businesses will decline as a result of the tax hike.

Adam Dance is urging the government to rethink this decision and scrap the NICs increase for small businesses in Yeovil and South Somerset. This comes as he voted against the tax hike in Parliament earlier this week.

With Small Business Saturday approaching on December 7th, Adam Dance emphasised the importance of supporting small businesses that are vital to the local economy and community.

Adam Dance MP for Yeovil said:
“Small businesses are the heart of our community, providing jobs, services, and a sense of belonging. It’s essential we do everything we can to support them, especially in Yeovil and South Somerset.

“I’ve already heard from business owners in our area who are deeply concerned about the government’s ill-conceived rise in employers’ NICs. This polling confirms that many people share these fears, with expectations of higher prices, fewer jobs, and more closures.

“After years of economic mismanagement by the Conservatives, this tax hike is yet another blow to businesses that are already struggling.

“The government must urgently rethink this policy, scrap the NICs increase, and focus on helping small businesses thrive—not pushing them closer to the edge.”

Adam Dance MP is also encouraging small business owners across Yeovil and South Somerset to share their thoughts and experiences by completing a short survey ahead of Small Business Saturday. Visit linktr.ee/adam4yeovil to complete it.