WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols is backing Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s 20% slash in Business Rates for pubs, with the British Beer and Pub Association ‘delighted.’
The new Prime Minister has slashed business rates for Pubs, Clubs and Live Music Venues in England.
• Pubs, clubs and live music venues set to receive a 20% cut to their business rates bills saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 next year
• Measures to support the backbone of local high streets, including through reviewing reliefs provided to anti-social businesses, such as vape shops
• Forms part of a series of measures to cut costs for working people and communities, including electricity bill VAT relief and £2 bus fare cap
Today’s announcement forms part of the Government’s wider plan to drive good growth in every postcode, including in Warrington, by reducing the burden on local businesses, boosting investment on high streets and helping communities to thrive.
These changes will be fully funded, including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops.
Ms. Nichols MP says:“The announcement today of a 20% cut in business rates is a step in the right direction for our pubs.
“After many years of difficulty, rising costs and still recovering from business disruption during the pandemic, I know that many pub owners will still have concerns about their ongoing viability.
“I have long been a champion of the social value of pubs in our communities, and ensuring we give them the support they need to be sustainable. I hope these measures will help to provide valuable breathing room, and will work with publicans on what more can be done to protect them going forward.
“If you want to talk to me about these proposals, please get in touch as soon as possible, and I will be happy to discuss.”
Prime Minister Burnham said:“For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:“For years and years, pubs have paid a disproportionately higher rate which has ground down their ability to keep the doors open, so we’re delighted that after working with Andy Burnham’s team prior to his election as Labour Party leader, he has swiftly acted on our concerns and provided new backing to our nation’s pubs as he promised.
“The local has and always will be more than just a place to get a pint; it creates jobs, it’s our nation’s living room, it’s the anchor of the high street, so this sorely needed discount will be celebrated by pubs up and down the country.
“We now look forward to working with Government to deliver permanent business rates reform so we can keep the pub in its rightful place; at the heart of our communities.”
