Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Debate between Jerome Mayhew and Stuart Anderson

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Anderson]

The price of heating oil is more than double what it was six months ago. I understand that that is because of international headwinds, and I believe that prices will probably go up significantly again because of what will happen over the next few weeks. However, 53% of my constituents do not feel that the support they are getting is comparable to what residents on gas are getting.

Let us look at pubs. The 166 pubs and four great breweries in South Shropshire tell me that the various rate rises they have seen over the past few years are having a massive impact on them. The minimum wage makes it very hard for them to employ young people, whether to give them their first step on the jobs ladder or because they want to earn extra money while at university. It is getting very hard.

[Jerome Mayhew (Broadland and Fakenham) (Con)]

My hon. Friend is making a very good point. I wonder whether he is aware that since the last election, the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds has risen by 30.1%, which is coincident with youth unemployment rising by 54,000. Does he think there is a link?

[Stuart Anderson]

My hon. Friend raises a valid point. There is definitely a link; it is getting harder to employ people because businesses are not making a profit.

In my high street survey, to which 4,500 residents contributed, businesses said that it is harder to make a profit on the high street. We have seen the rise of the internet alongside increases in taxes and the cost of employing people. Businesses are not investing—they are not taking the risk. Look at how hard the Government have made it for high streets. The Lib Dem council in South Shropshire decided to bring in what look to be catastrophic parking charges for Ludlow and Bridgnorth, and across the whole area. I stand firmly against those charges, because they are just another tax on my constituents.