Pub owners voice concerns as Budget nears

Pub owners in the South East have voiced concerns over spiralling business costs ahead of this week's Budget.

Philip Thorley, owner of Thorley Taverns in Kent, told the BBC he was "really nervous" about Wednesday, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves predicted to increase taxes,

He said hospitality was challenging due to issues including "utilities, the credit crunch and last year's budget when the government increased National Insurance, which came at a heavy cost to businesses like ourselves".

HM Treasury has been approached for comment.

Mr Thorley said he had 400 staff members across 18 venues in Kent.

Since the National Insurance increase, he said he has had to pay an additional £5,000 to £6,000 a week on wages.

He said: "We are struggling to make end's meet. If costs keep going up, we will be in a situation where we have to employ fewer staff."

Donna Hetherington, who runs The Dog and Duck in Outwood near Redhill, in Surrey, said they had been "struggling and fighting to stay afloat".

She explained: "The biggest problems for us are business rates, price increases on beer, income tax, and cost of food stock, plus the public have little money left to treat family, so customers have dwindled."

A spokesperson for Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said pubs needed "a raft of measures that support them".

He added: "When we have spoken to publicans and others associated with the trade, they tell us they are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

"They want action on VAT reduction, a review of National Insurance contributions and a review of business rates."

He said pubs were "one of the few community spaces left in the country and they need to be protected."