The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has responded to the Chancellor’s plans to cut red tape for businesses and extend tariff suspensions on more than 250 products.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “Action to reduce unnecessary paperwork and form-filling will be welcomed by businesses across environmental horticulture, a sector worth £38bn that supports 722,000 jobs.

“The HTA has long campaigned to cut the regulatory and administrative burdens that hold SMEs across the country back from having the time to grow and invest, and in our sector, to deliver more for the UK’s gardens and green spaces.

“However, today’s announcements must go further and serve as a springboard to address some of the biggest pain points causing cost and frustration for SMEs across the nation. Extended Producer Responsibility and its associated costs must be addressed; barriers within the planning system and to water resilience must be removed; and rising fuel costs, punitive business rates and employment laws must be reformed to support job creation rather than discourage it.

“On tariff suspensions, we have led calls to maintain reductions for floriculture. This support for cross-border trade must be matched by the swift delivery of the EU–UK SPS agreement and practical easements to end unnecessary disruption at the border.

“We look forward to seeing the details of today’s announcement and hope next week’s Budget will mark a turning point in backing British horticulture and delivering growth.”