Farmer Criticizes Budget Minimum Wage Hike as 'Massive Blow'

Chancellor John Healey announced a 3.9% minimum wage increase in the recent Budget, intended to provide cost-of-living relief. However, Tristan Bennett of Bennetts Farms described the measure as a 'massive blow' to his hospitality and cafe operations, noting the difficulty of making such businesses profitable under current pressures.

While Bennett welcomed the increase in the small business rate relief threshold to £18,000, he expressed disappointment over the lack of VAT reductions for the hospitality sector. Other small business owners, such as bookshop co-owner Rachel Buchanan, also characterized the Budget as 'tinkering around the edges' rather than providing substantial relief.

Editor's note: Accurately attributes the criticism and correctly identifies the specific figures mentioned in the source.