Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, has launched a call for evidence on business rates, revaluations and the governments withdrawal of business and hospitality reliefs.
The MP will be speaking in Parliament in a debate on Wednesday (10th December) forming part of a campaign to persuade the Chancellor to deliver better ongoing relief to pubs, restaurants and high street shops.
In last month’s Budget, The Chancellor significantly increased the cost burden for pubs and restaurants by withdrawing previous reliefs and failing to fully shield businesses from hikes caused by the revaluation of their premises.
The MP will be using local examples to highlight to the government the impacts of its recent decisions. His worry is that there will be substantial closures which means fewer job opportunities for young people who depend on the hospitality sector for employment.
Higher cost burdens for pubs and restaurants also means little to no investment going back into the businesses, which they need to do to attract customers and remain viable.
In West Sussex, especially in the South Downs, pubs, restaurants and B&Bs are vital for the local visitor economy as well as bringing people to the smaller high streets.
The Hospitality sector has published their own analysis of rates bills over the next three years. UK Hospitality’s analysis reveals that for an average pub this means a rates bill rise of 76% over three years. For a 4-star hotel, the rise will be a staggering 115% over three years.
UK Hospitality warns that the Chancellor’s new system penalises the high streets which are made up of ‘bricks and mortar businesses’ but favours online and out-of-town retailers.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“The change in business rates and relief cannot go unchallenged. This is an important debate to have, because business rates – if they are increased as announced – will impact thousands of West Sussex businesses. I will be calling on the government to present their evidence because I do not think they have really looked at what their announcement means for the hospitality sector and for our local high streets overall. Pubs are at the very heart of our communities and high streets and they must be properly supported. I have written to pubs across my constituency to write to me and tell me how their business will be affected if the rates change goes ahead.”
