Support local businesses that go green, say Southwark Liberal Democrats

On London Climate Action Week, the Southwark Liberal Democrats have announced a new policy that would both support small businesses and help reach climate goals.  

The scheme, modelled after Lib Dem-run Sutton’s “Green Enterprise Partnership”, would see businesses that qualify for a “Green Mark” awarded with a 70% business rate discount.  

With small businesses in London struggling with the Labour Government’s national insurance rises, which have been branded as a “tax on jobs”, and some reporting their business rates tripling in recent times, the Lib Dems say that the scheme would support local high streets as well as help towards creating a more sustainable borough.  

In Sutton, the scheme currently supports around 20 businesses accredited with a Green Mark, which ensures that they are meeting various sustainability criteria and have made credible commitments to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.  

The Liberal Democrats have previously succeeded in campaigning for innovative climate schemes. In March 2023, the Liberal Democrat deputy group leader Cllr Rachel Bentley successfully passed a motion to create green investment bonds in Southwark, which let ordinary people invest as little as £5 in local sustainability projects. In 2024 the scheme formally launched and has since raised over £1.5 million. 

In spring this year, the Chancellor’s national insurance rise kicked in, which the Lib Dems revealed could cost businesses almost £5,000 per employee – warning that this could result in either lower wage rises or job losses. 

Commenting, Liberal Democrat deputy group leader Cllr Rachel Bentley said:  

“With sky-high businesses rates and Labour’s jobs tax making it harder than ever for local businesses to survive, it makes total sense to offer bespoke support whilst also moving towards a greener borough. Lib Dem-run Sutton have shown how successful a scheme like this could be, and we’re calling on Southwark council to launch a similar programme.  

Whilst Labour drag their feet over the climate emergency and let our high streets decline, Liberal Democrats have a clear plan to give a much needed boost to local business whilst doing our bit for the environment”