Charlotte Cane MP calls for business rates cut for hospitality

The Liberal Democrat MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire has said it is “absolutely urgent” for Ministers to provide clarity to pubs, hospitality and high street businesses, with rumours circulating that the Government may be planning to reduce planned rises to business rates. 

Charlotte says that “crucial” high street businesses are on “their last legs” and that changes to business rates is a “vital” step to save them from mass closure. 

Charlotte has been in regular contact with publicans in her constituency via her ‘publicans’ network’ roundtables, where several local pub owners have told her their concerns that they could be facing closure if relief does not come soon.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for an emergency cut to VAT for the hospitality sector to boost high streets and cut costs for local families.

Charlotte Cane, Liberal Democrat MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire said:

“Meaningful changes to business rates could be the last chance for many of our community pubs, restaurants, and high street businesses to survive. From the unsustainable jobs tax to spiralling energy bills, so many crucial hospitality businesses in my community tell me that they are now on their last legs. 

Businesses are naturally worried sick that they will not be able to make ends meet, while residents are fearful that these pubs and venues which form the heart of so many local communities will soon be gone. 

This is a pivotal moment for this Government. Ministers must now provide the clarity and certainty that small business owners deserve by delivering this vital cut to business rates and pledging their support for hospitality businesses and our high streets.”