Rising costs are putting Morecambe businesses under growing pressure, with concerns raised directly to the town’s MP during a recent meeting.
The event, organised by Morecambe BID, brought together business owners for a discussion with Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale.
Attendees raised issues around rising energy bills, National Insurance, minimum wage, and business rates, all of which they said are directly affecting staffing and investment decisions.
Ms Collinge said: "I was pleased to spend time with business owners from across Morecambe.
"These meetings are really important to me, as it allows me to hear first-hand what's affecting local businesses.
"As your local MP, I’ll be taking up the concerns raised during the meeting directly with the Treasury and other relevant ministers.
"I will also be following up on the practical issues including traffic enforcement.
"We all want to see Morecambe thrive, and I am pleased to be able to work with local businesses in achieving this."
Concerns were also raised about VAT registration thresholds, which they said are discouraging growth, with some limiting trading activity to avoid crossing the threshold.
Hospitality businesses highlighted the impact of business rates, food price inflation, and costs such as television licensing and royalties for hotel rooms.
Representatives from the care sector called for social care to be recognised as a long-term career path and raised concerns about Continuing Healthcare funding and rising employer costs.
There was also discussion about the importance of events in attracting visitors and boosting spending, with calls for renewed investment in town centre activities.
Concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour, traffic, and road safety in specific areas of the town centre.
Following the meeting, Ms Collinge agreed to prepare a briefing for HM Treasury, explore VAT-related support for hospitality businesses, arrange a roundtable discussion on social care, and raise traffic enforcement issues on Queen Street and Peddar Street with the relevant authorities.
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John O’Neill, Morecambe BID manager, said: "Feedback from this session shows just how much cost pressure businesses across Morecambe are under right now.
"It's good to have those concerns going straight to Westminster, and we'll keep pushing to make sure Morecambe's voice is heard."
The meeting was held on August 19.
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