Stakeholders react to today's business rates announcement
Nick Mackenzie, CEO, Greene King said: Pubs have
long faced disproportionately higher business rates and today's
announcement is much needed relief. It's hugely encouraging that
the Prime Minister has chosen to prioritise our sector in his
first few days in office, recognising our potential to support
local economies and provide jobs in the heart of communities. We
look forward to working with him over the weeks ahead to build on
this support and deliver much-needed long-term reform on unfair
taxation for the sector, including business rates, VAT and duty.
Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director, Star Pubs
said: "This is a hugely positive step from the new Prime
Minister, coming off the back of a World Cup month where people
demonstrated just how much they love their locals. A 20% cut to
next year's business rates makes a meaningful impact on the
bottom line, and while the pressure on pubs remains high, this
provides publicans with some valuable breathing space. We are
absolutely committed to working constructively with the new
Government to secure the brightest future possible for the Great
British pub."
Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive, Shepherd Neame Ltd
said: We warmly welcome the Prime Minister's decision to
cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
The fact that this has been announced within the first few days
of his premiership sends a clear signal that he understands the
vital role our sector plays in the economy and in communities
across the country.
Our industry can be quick to criticise when policies make life
harder for pubs, so it is equally important to acknowledge and
applaud positive, practical measures when they are taken. This is
a sensible step that will provide a welcome boost to businesses
facing significant cost pressures.
Pubs are far more than places to enjoy a drink. They create jobs,
support local suppliers, bring people together and are often at
the heart of their communities. Measures that help them remain
viable are investments in our high streets and local economies.
While there is still more to do, particularly to deliver
long-term reform of the business rates system, today's
announcement is an encouraging start. We look forward to working
constructively with the Government to ensure Britain's pubs
continue to thrive for generations to come.
Ash Corbett-Collins, Chairman, CAMRA (Campaign for Real
Ale) said: This is a brilliant start to the new Prime
Minister's tenure, living up to the statements that he's made
before about pubs, pints and people.
Our business rates system is grossly unfair to pubs and social
clubs, bricks and mortar businesses that are also vital social
institutions for their communities and desperately needs reform.
As always we need to see the details at the Budget, but another
year of rate relief will provide vital breathing space to
publicans in England, while the work to review the rating system
for hospitality businesses presumably continues.
Andy Spencer, CEO, Punch Pubs & Co said:
"The Prime Minister's decision to cut business rates for pubs
across England by 20% from April next year is a welcome move, and
clear recognition of the vital role pubs play at the heart of
communities across the country. At a time when our sector
continues to face significant cost pressures, we hope this marks
the start of a broader package of measures that recognise
hospitality as a key growth sector for the UK economy. We are
also encouraged by the commitment to return to wider business
rates reform at the Budget, including a review of Small Business
Rates Relief, as pubs have faced a disproportionate tax burden
for many years.
With a fairer tax and regulatory environment, pubs can unlock
even greater investment, support local employment, strengthen
communities and play a leading role in the regeneration of high
streets. We want our pubs to thrive, as key drivers of local
economic activity, and we look forward to working with Government
to help realise that ambition."
Polly Dhaliwal, COO, Enterprise Nation said:
"Anyone who has built a business selling online knows how it
feels to be undercut by sellers who dodge their tax. We joined
marketplaces and business groups in calling for exactly this
change, so we strongly welcome the government acting on it.
High streets recover when the businesses people love can afford
to stay, and a 20% cut to rates bills gives nearly 32,000 pubs,
clubs and music venues room to plan ahead.
The bigger decisions come at the Budget, when the Chancellor
returns to Small Business Rates Relief. We will help government
make that reform work for the smallest firms."
