That this House expresses concern over the closure of Scoop, a community-centred zero waste shop which is a favourite on Fleet’s High Street; recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and the heart of local high streets; highlights that businesses like Scoop, which offer local and sustainable produce, such as eggs and honey from local producers, are essential for supporting the UK’s food security; notes with alarm the pressure that local businesses are under from increased business rates, energy price hikes, and rises in national insurance contributions; and calls on the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to give local businesses more support in their energy costs and overhaul the unfair business rates system to preserve independent businesses and high streets like those across North East Hampshire.
