Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has criticised the Government's latest Budget, claiming it fails to provide enough support for farmers, hospitality businesses and rural communities.
The Conservative MP responded to the October 2026 Budget by raising concerns about the pressures facing local employers, families and public services across North Yorkshire.
He argued that the Chancellor had missed an opportunity to address rising costs for rural businesses and provide greater support for agriculture and tourism.
Sir Julian said:
“This Budget tragically misses the chance to properly back the people who keep rural Britain going: our farmers, small businesses, hospitality sector and local employers.”
He welcomed the temporary suspension of fertiliser tariffs and extended relief on red diesel but said the measures did not go far enough to address the financial challenges facing farmers.
He also criticised the absence of a VAT reduction for hospitality businesses, arguing that pubs, hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions across North Yorkshire continue to face significant cost pressures.
Sir Julian said:
“The Government has also failed to tackle the issue of VAT for hospitality businesses.
"Pubs, hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions remain under significant pressure from rising costs, and many businesses across North Yorkshire have argued for targeted VAT relief to help them remain competitive.”
The MP also raised concerns about support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), saying families facing assessment delays would find little reassurance in the Budget.
He called for greater investment in apprenticeships and practical skills training to help young people find employment, alongside measures to give local businesses more confidence to recruit.
Sir Julian also criticised the Government's approach to defence spending, arguing that commitments to strengthen the armed forces should be brought forward.
On taxation, he warned that the Budget would leave households and businesses facing continued financial pressures.
However, he welcomed the extension of Founders Relief, describing it as a positive measure for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Sir Julian said:
“Entrepreneurs and small business owners who take risks and create jobs deserve to be backed, and this is a sensible step.”
He concluded that the Budget did too little to support economic growth and the needs of rural communities, calling for greater attention to the challenges facing businesses and families across his constituency
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