Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade is calling for Budget help after figures cited by her office showed 865 Dorset business closures in the first half. A temporary VAT cut is being urged to help Dorset businesses manage rising pressure. Official ONS figures cited by her office say 865 businesses closed in Dorset in the first half of 2026, while 790 opened, leaving the county with 75 fewer local firms. The Mid Dorset and North Poole MP held roundtables in Wimborne and Wareham earlier this month, where business owners raised concerns about surviving financially under current VAT rates a
A temporary VAT cut is being urged to help Dorset businesses manage rising pressure.
Official ONS figures cited by her office say 865 businesses closed in Dorset in the first half of 2026, while 790 opened, leaving the county with 75 fewer local firms.
The Mid Dorset and North Poole MP held roundtables in Wimborne and Wareham earlier this month, where business owners raised concerns about surviving financially under current VAT rates and wider household pressures.
Vikki Slade said a package from the Chancellor should include a temporary VAT cut for hospitality, accommodation and attractions, alongside wider changes to business rates and employer National Insurance contributions.
She said the support "would give families and local businesses breathing space" and argued that households under pressure have less money to spend in local shops, pubs and restaurants across Dorset at a difficult time.
The Liberal Democrat plan also includes energy support for households and transport measures, which Slade says should be funded through banking, energy network, oil and gas revenues over the next 18 months.
