The leader of the body which represents 4,500 tourism businesses across Cumbria has offered a cautious welcome to the Budget.
Cumbria Tourism says the visitor economy across the county generated £4.6 billion in 2023 and supports around 45,000 jobs.
“The industry, which is made up of thousands of small businesses, is still recovering from the pandemic and cost of living crisis, so any increasing costs for businesses or reduced spend is concerning,” Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said.
“The increase to National Insurance contributions for employers will undoubtedly have an impact on businesses right across our county.
“As will the reduction in business rate relief alongside the national living wage increases. Meanwhile, there will be some relief for businesses in the shape of a freeze in fuel duty and the bus price cap remaining relatively low, both of which will hopefully keep visitors travelling to Cumbria.”
She added members looked forward to reading more details about government plans to deliver more affordable housing to help recruit and retain staff to tourism roles in Cumbria.