Chancellor Rachel Reeves has “failed to put a spring in the step” of the industry at the spring statement, according to HTA director of public affairs Jennifer Pheasey.

Previous Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) data reveals the environmental horticulture sector contributes £38bn annually to the UK economy, supporting 720,000 jobs.

“The spring forecast is an opportunity for the government to take action, ease these pressures, and ensure our sector can continue to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the UK’s green economy,” says Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA.

Reeves revealed rising costs, tax hikes, import fees, and rate rises within the statement.

Pheasey comments:

“The spring statement offers little relief for horticulture businesses and has failed to put a spring in the step of our members across the sector.”

Pheasey has concerns that there is no agenda for growth. “Facing fragile consumer confidence and rising costs on all fronts, from inheritance tax to border chaos to plant health fees, this is not an agenda for growth for the environmental horticulture sector.”

Whilst plans to drive housebuilding and unlock planning, green spaces and gardens can be seen as positive, Pheasey says:

“We urge the government to prioritise decisive action to alleviate the cost burdens in the sector and commit to fair policies, so that our members can continue to contribute to the UK’s environmental sustainability and overall economic wellbeing.”

You can read the full spring statement here.