The MP for Glastonbury and Street, Sarah Dyke has criticised the government's National Insurance Contributions Bill, warning it will heap unsustainable financial pressure on small businesses, GP surgeries, and farm operations in the area.

Speaking in Parliament this week, the Liberal Democrat MP said the policy, combined with rising business rates and staff costs, could be the breaking point for many struggling enterprises.

"This NICs hike is a disastrous triple whammy," she said. "One GP surgery told me it would add around £45,000 to their costs—a figure they simply cannot absorb after years of financial strain."

The MP's comments come ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7 December, a national campaign celebrating the vital role small businesses play in local communities and economies.

To support local business owners, Ms Dyke has launched a survey inviting them to share their challenges and concerns. The feedback will help inform her work in Parliament, where she continues to advocate for policies that support Somerset businesses.

The survey is free to access online and takes just a few minutes to complete.

"This survey is about giving small business owners a voice," she said. "We need to hear directly from the people on the ground to ensure their needs are front and centre in Westminster."

As part of her campaign, Ms Dyke will also visit several small businesses across the constituency this week to hear firsthand about their experiences.

In addition to criticising the National Insurance Bill, Ms Dyke has been vocal on other challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in rural areas. She recently urged the government to prioritise support for high streets in rural towns and called for greater investment in infrastructure projects like the Strawberry Line cycle route, which could boost local commerce.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of Glastonbury and Somerton," Ms Dyke said. "They are the heart of our high streets and the foundation of our economy.

"After years of Conservative mismanagement, and now these damaging tax hikes from Labour, we urgently need to prioritise supporting small businesses before it's too late."

Ms Dyke praised the contribution of small businesses to Somerset's communities and encouraged residents to celebrate them on Small Business Saturday.

"Small businesses enrich our lives in so many ways, and their contribution cannot be overstated. I'll continue to fight for them, in Westminster and here at home," she added.

Business owners in Glastonbury and Somerton are encouraged to take part in Ms Dyke's survey here.