Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has warned that pubs, cafés and restaurants across Somerset could disappear if the Chancellor fails to act in the Autumn Budget.

Polling from the Liberal Democrats shows that 71 % of residents in the South West fear losing local cafés and restaurants, while 62 % are worried about their pub shutting down. These figures underline deep anxiety about the survival of the high street.

Ms Dyke is calling for an emergency 5 % VAT cut for hospitality until April 2027. The party says the £7.5 billion rescue plan is vital to keep hospitality businesses afloat through the cost‑of‑living crisis.

"With the Chancellor's damaging National Insurance hike and the ongoing cost of living crisis, independent hospitality businesses just cannot sustain themselves," said Ms Dyke. "It is absolutely devastating."

She cited the plight of The Loft bar in Street, which she says has been "crippled" by soaring business rates and utility costs. She also referenced the concerns of the owners of Knights Fish and Chips in Glastonbury – a family‑run business operating for about 130 years – as being heavily worried about the Budget's impact on their future.

Ms Dyke concluded: "Hospitality is the lifeblood of our high streets. Pubs, restaurants, cafés and more are at serious risk of closing – no wonder residents and business owners are so concerned."

More local stories:

• Post Office returns after seven‑year hiatus in Baltonsborough
• Glastonbury nursery launches fundraiser

Newsletter call‑out:

advertisement

Sign up to our free local newsletter – Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.