Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, has spoken out in support of rural businesses during a debate in Parliament.
He told the debate in Westminster Hall that they were “the lifeblood of our countryside.”
Mr Amos added: “In Taunton and Wellington, and across Somerset, businesses are not just economic units but the backbone of our communities.
“Family farms are not taxation units for inheritance purposes; they put food on our tables. The Government should think hard about their family farm tax, and should do so urgently.
“Rural entrepreneurs face rising costs across the board, unreliable infrastructure, and a postcode lottery in support.
Constituents in villages such as West Hatch, Staple Fitzpaine and West Buckland, as well as those around Wellington, simply cannot get reliable broadband or mobile signals.
“Transport is another key concern, which is why the Liberal Democrats proposed an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
“It would have provided compensation for rural firms, such as Apple Campers, Western Recovery Services and TLC, that are losing business due to the closure of junction 26 on the M5 for three whole months under National Highways requirements.”
Mr Amos said public transport was also essential. “It is about connecting the parts of our UK economy to make a stronger whole.
He added: “Banking and postal access are also vital to our rural businesses.
“Although I welcome the introduction of the Banking Hub model in Wellington, as I know the Minister does, it is somewhat bizarre for residents to see, in a town that has no Post Office, a building with the Post Office logo above the door and window that is not a Post Office and does not provide Post Office services.
“That craziness is straight out of ‘Yes, Minister’ and needs to change urgently.”
He added that rural businesses did not ask for special favours.
“All they ask for is fairness and for a level playing field for infrastructure, support and services.”
The MP’s bid to win compensation for businesses which lose trade because of road works was voted down by the government.
