Chancellor’s Autumn Statement must address horticulture business needs

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) said: “Business costs have mounted across the UK horticulture sector, as has the need for stability to allow the sector to grow and invest in jobs. As the economic picture worsens, we need tomorrow’s statement from the Chancellor to enable horticulture to breathe life into, and flourish in, communities across the UK.”

The HTA urges the Chancellor to provide:

• Meaningful support for businesses on energy costs until at least the end of 2023, with a guarantee of longer-term support to offset the impact of recession
• Relief on business rates, including a reduction in the short term, until an improved calculation can be implemented
• Measures to boost consumer confidence, which would stimulate innovation and investment
• Measures to address seasonal labour shortages ahead of the critical growing season
• Greater flexibility on the Apprenticeship Levy, to enable the sector to nurture a highly-skilled workforce.

Pheasey concluded: “We eagerly await the detail of the Autumn Statement and will assess its impacts on our members over the coming weeks and months.”