Progressive Alliance encourages residents to shop small this Christmas
[Milton Keynes, 16 December] The Progressive Alliance which runs Milton Keynes City Council is encouraging residents to shop small this Christmas.
Labour and Lib Dem councillors are appealing to residents to support their local shops and businesses and keep the city's economy strong.
This comes as small business owners have been hit hard over the last year after being faced with rising prices, increasing energy bills, and skyrocketing inflation.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Robin Bradburn, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Culture, said:
"It's vital that we get behind our local businesses and show them support this festive period. Shopping small helps put dinner on the table for small business owners and boosts our local economy, so I'd thoroughly recommend supporting them whenever you can."
The City Council has ensured continued support for the city's small businesses through the multi-million-pound Economic Recovery Plan. Almost 1,000 businesses have benefited from the City Council's £3.1m package, which was launched in response to the pandemic.
This financial support is on track to extend into the 2023/24 Council year, with extra funding proposed to support the city's high streets including Newport Pagnell, Wolverton, Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, and Stony Stratford.
The City Council showed its support for Small Business Saturday on 3rd December, the national campaign that encourages people to shop local. This year, the City Council targeted three small businesses and highlighted the advantages of shopping locally.