Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, spoke in a House of Commons debate on Wednesday (10th December).
The debate highlighted the direct result of the Chancellor’s Budget announcements that are hurting pubs, hotels and restaurants.
In his speech, Andrew Griffith spoke on behalf of the dozens of pubs in the Arundel and South Downs constituency who have written to tell him just how much their business rates will be increased over the next 3 years. For many, this increase amounts to several thousand pounds more each year and comes on top of huge increases to their staffing costs because of National Insurance and Minimum Wage increases.
The South Downs MP pointed to examples shared, such as The Cricketers in Duncton who face additional annual rates of £4,500-£5,000 a year. The Fox Goes Free in Charlton, an historic pub for more than 400 years, is facing a hike of £13,000 next year alone. The picture is the same for so many others who contributed their examples to the Debate, including The Murrell Arms in Eastergate, The Half Moon in Northchapel, The Labouring Man in Coldwaltham, The Onslow Arms in Loxwood, The Bridge Inn in Amberley, The Star and Garter in East Dean, The Bricklayers Arms in Midhurst, Tottington Manor in Henfield, The Black Horse in Byworth, and The Three Moles in Selham.
The MP pointed out that the hospitality sector is the cornerstone of our economy and society, bringing communities together. These small businesses – many independently owned – also provide young people with a vital first step on their career ladder by offering flexible, seasonal work that allows young people to learn the dignity of working.
Andrew Griffith stated that the basis of assessing the new rateable values is flawed and is deeply concerning publicans everywhere who “are at the end of their tether”. He said: “The cost of hiring staff has become so prohibitive that owners are doing more and more themselves” with some not even able to draw a wage and working 7 days a week.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“Our pubs – especially those in this region – will be taxed into submission by a flawed assessment of their business to make them pay even more in rates. They already have to deal with rising energy and staffing costs, so any more tax or bureaucracy on their business will have a deep impact. I worry about what this means for many landlords who are hanging on by a thread, and for some their pub is also their home. The Government must listen and act quickly before the shutters start coming down. Support your Local!”
To see the Hansard of the debate: - https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-12-10/debates/E358DCAE-231F-…
