The Progressive Alliance, the Labour and Lib Dem coalition 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 says it has been supporting local businesses through the multi-million-pound Economic Recovery Plan.
Almost 1,000 businesses have received funding 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.
Labour Councillor Jenny Wilson-Marklew, who represents Stony Stratford, added: “Stony Stratford is a great place to live and work and is home to many flourishing businesses including shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants.
“The small businesses in Milton Keynes are one of the many things that makes the city unique and ensuresit remains shopping destination for many. It is great news that the City Council’s financial support is on course to extend into next year, and I look forward to seeing small businesses benefit from the extra funding.”
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.
