Advocating for members: Autumn Budget activity update
17 December 2024
Over the past few weeks, the HTA has taken significant steps to address the challenges posed by the Autumn Budget, ensuring the concerns of the horticulture sector are heard at the highest levels.
Here's a summary of our recent actions:
HTA Data and Member Voice
HTA analysis published: We released new data highlighting the Autumn Budget's impact on horticulture businesses with some direct quotes from HTA members that show the reality behind the predicted £134 million collective hit numbers.
Engaging with Government
HTA letter to the Chancellor: We wrote directly to the Chancellor outlining the damaging effects of the Autumn Budget on horticulture businesses. The letter highlighted the devastating "triple hit" facing horticulture businesses: a significant rise in the National Living Wage, increased employers’ National Insurance contributions, and changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief. These measures create a £134 million annual cost burden, threatening jobs and the sector's growth.
Open letter with the British Retail Consortium (BRC): Alongside the BRC, we co-signed a letter to the Chancellor highlighting the disproportionate burden the business rates threshold freeze places on SMEs. This letter emphasised the risk of significant job losses and asked the government to reconsider policies affecting the viability of businesses.
Open Letter with Family Business UK (FBUK): We also joined FBUK in a separate open letter to the Chancellor, calling for greater support for family-run businesses. This letter highlighted such businesses' vital role in local economies and their unique challenges in weathering current financial pressures.
Defra engagement: Our CEO, Fran Barnes, has met Defra ministers and the team is regularly engaging across Defra on key issues impacting the sector – from the Budget to Borders and Trade.
We encourage members to engage with MPs and share their experiences. The HTA is here to help support these important conversations.
Media Advocacy
As well as media pick-up on the letters above, our CEO Fran Barnes was also interviewed on Times Radio to ensure the horticulture sector’s challenges are in the public spotlight. The focus was the critical need for policy changes to support the industry.
Parliamentary Engagement
From our Plants in Parliament event with over 60 parliamentarians just a few days after the 30 October Budget announcement to MP visits and the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture reception on 27 November, HTA engagement has been timely and significant. We have provided MPs with detailed data and case studies from HTA members, demonstrating the Autumn Budget’s local and national impacts. This engagement helps to keep the challenges of horticulture businesses on the political agenda.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to push for immediate government action to support our sector during these challenging times. Your input is invaluable—please share your experiences to help us strengthen our case. [email protected]