Tessa Munt has called on the Government to do more to support businesses across Wells, Shepton Mallet and the wider Mendip area as fresh figures point to continuing pressure on Somerset firms.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Wells and Mendip Hills says analysis of official ONS data shows 60 businesses closed across Somerset during the first half of 2026.

Her intervention comes amid wider concern over the future of shops and other independent businesses in towns including Wells and Shepton Mallet, where rising costs have put pressure on high streets and employers.

Figures highlighted by Munt's office also show the area lost 35 shops between 2019 and 2024.

The MP is now calling for changes to the business rates system and for the Government to reverse the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions.

Both are Liberal Democrat policies and have not been adopted by the Government.

Munt says the cost of employing staff, business rates and crime affecting shops are all among the pressures facing businesses in her constituency.

Business rates have become a particular issue for high street firms because bills are linked to the rateable value of commercial property, while employers also face National Insurance costs when taking on and retaining staff.

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For Wells and Shepton Mallet, the debate comes down to businesses which provide jobs as well as filling shops, offices and other premises in the town centres.

Munt said: "Across my 'patch' we've seen an unacceptable rise in business closures, following decades of neglect and mismanagement by consecutive Labour and Conservative Governments.

"Sky high business rates threaten our tourist industry, shoplifting impacts our high streets, and I will continue to do all I can to challenge the Government on this."

The Liberal Democrats want an overhaul of business rates and are also calling for the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions to be scrapped.

Munt's comments put local business conditions back on the political agenda as firms continue to balance staffing, property and other operating costs.

The figures cited by her office cover Somerset more widely rather than Wells and Shepton Mallet individually, so they do not show how many of the 60 closures during the first half of this year happened in either town.

They do, however, form the basis of Munt's latest call for ministers to change the tax burden facing local employers and independent businesses.

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