I am delighted that pubs, clubs and live music venues are set to benefit from a 20% cut to their business rates starting in April next year. It’s great news that this Labour Government – and the brand-new Prime Minister – are backing our fantastic pubs.
Here in South Dorset, I’ve sat down with many landlords and pub owners and have heard repeatedly that cutting business rates is just one way we can better support our local pubs. For months and months, I have lobbied for adequate financial support for all hospitality businesses – including action on business rates.
These changes are certainly a step in the right direction and will save the typical pub around £1,100 in the next financial year. But we must now go further and reducing business rates for all hospitality businesses – especially smaller, family-owned businesses. It’s simply unfair that a family-run cafe or fish and chip shop should be saddled with costly business rates, while giant online firms are able to avoid this cost altogether.
Across Dorset, pubs are at the heart of communities, great venues for sports and live music, and a key part of what makes our part of the world such a special place to visit. So, this new cut to business rates is exactly what our pubs deserve.
Separately, I have robustly lobbied the new Prime Minister for additional support to help all hospitality businesses cope with the energy bills. I know that energy bills are far too high, it’s crucial that we finally help to cut the cost of energy for good. I will keep pushing for action here, and I will continue to speak up for our fantastic pubs across South Dorset. With the right backing from this Labour Government, our pubs and hospitality businesses can go from strength to strength.
Lloyd Hatton MP
for South Dorset
