Opposition Conservative councillors on Somerset Council passed a motion that supports town centres and high streets across the county.
The motion focuses on helping local shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants that are under pressure from rising costs, empty units, and falling footfall, challenges being felt in towns and villages across Somerset.
With Christmas approaching, Conservative councillors said it is more important than ever to back local town centres, which are busier at this time of year and play a key role in local economies and community life. However, they stressed that support for high streets cannot be limited to Christmas alone and must be reflected in council decisions and policies throughout the year.
Conservative councillors say council decisions should support the long-term health of town centres, including how parking changes are considered, and that council plans should clearly recognise the importance of high streets to the local economy and community life. The proposal also supports working with the police to tackle antisocial behaviour in town centres and commits the council to writing to the Chancellor to request a review of business rates for hospitality and retail businesses.
Councillor Lucy Trimnell who proposed the motion, said, “We are concerned to see businesses being put under such strain by government policies and budgetary measures. Many are genuinely unsure whether they can continue to operate under the most recent changes, particularly pubs and hotels which will be hit by the business rates increase."
She added, "I was contacted just last week by a local publican (John Clifford from The Sun Inn in Bruton) to ask what this council could do to help his business. He faces a rise in business rates this year from £15,650 to £38,000, a rise of 210%. It is unaffordable. He employs 7–10 people seasonally and the pub is one of the hubs of our community. Bruton would not be the same without it.”
Councillor Connor Payne, seconding the motion, said, “In towns such as Yeovil, Crewkerne, Chard, Ilminster, and South Petherton, the high street is not a lifestyle choice but the economic lifeblood of the town. These centres rely heavily on independent businesses, hospitality venues, and local employers operating on narrow margins and are unable to absorb rising costs or policy uncertainty.”
After the vote Councillor Lucy Trimnell said, “This shows local businesses that we are on their side, that we understand the pressures they are under, and that Somerset Council is willing to do everything it can to support them and help keep them running, not just at Christmas, but all year round.”
Click here to read the motion in full.
