South Yorkshire market traders call on the new PM to 'help people & businesses in need'
We've been speaking to Mark Brown who runs a food stall at Rotherham Market about Boris Johnson's successor
A South Yorkshire market trader tells us local businesses are 'constantly treading water' & need more help from the Government if they're to survive this winter.
Mark Brown used to run two stalls at Rotherham Market, but had to close one down last week because of rising costs:
"I wasn't making enough for both shops with overheads as they are. Hopefully, this move will work for me as I've now effectively cut my overheads in half.
"I'm eager to keep going and fly the flag for Rotherham Market, but times are tough. My aim is for this business to still be here this time next year."
Mr. Brown also believes the Government should've offered more financial help to people by now:
"We're talking about people's lives and livelihoods here, and I don't think it's good enough.
"Businesses are just trying keep their heads above water.
"We need some leadership and hope at the moment. Hopefully, now that we've got a new Prime Minister, things will move in the right direction.
"My electric costs are currently running at about £450 a month, just for one shopping unit.
"Once my contract runs out early next year, it'll go up to about £1250 if I'm lucky.
"We need this new Prime Minister to offer some help, or more businesses will be forced to close. It's that simple really."
Liz Truss-who was confirmed as the UK's next Prime Minister on Monday-insists she'll 'deliver' on the cost-of-living crisis.