Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will produce an impact assessment on the potential impact of increases in costs for (a) butchers, (b) abattoirs and (c) other food business operators on those businesses.

The UK food processing and manufacturing sectors are highly resilient and adaptable and continue to supply healthy and affordable products in spite of the many challenges they have faced in recent years including the covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

The Government continues to support food businesses more widely through a range of initiatives. The upcoming SME Strategy Paper will outline a cross-Government vision to help small and medium-sized enterprises, including food businesses, scale up and thrive. This includes improving access to finance, markets, and tailored support. The new Business Growth Service will streamline access to advice and resources, delivered locally in partnership with Growth Hubs and devolved governments. Funding for Growth Hubs and Help to Grow: Management in 2025-26 will further strengthen business capabilities and resilience.

The Government remains focused on maintaining a fair and competitive environment for all businesses and to reducing burdens through targeted, proportionate measures.