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Publican says government's rates U-turn not enough

Jennie AitkenBBC Stoke and Staffordshire political reporter
News imageBBC Ian Hillman wears a blue gilet and stands in front of the bar at his pub, a Sixteenth Century inn. He has a goatee, and is smiling. BBC
Goat's Head landlord Ian Hillman welcomes the government's decision to reduce business rateable value but thinks the government could go further in supporting pubs like his

An expected climbdown by the government over business rate bill rises faced by pubs in England has been cautiously welcomed by a Staffordshire landlord.

The move follows pressure from pub owners and industry groups that included more than 1,000 publicans banning Labour MPs from their hostelries, in protest.

While the chancellor lowered business rates, the value of the businesses rose, which will lead to a higher rates bill for many, from April.

Ian Hillman, who runs the Goat's Head in Abbot's Bromley, believes the bans have had an impact. "If [ministers] reduce the multiplier, that will reduce the amount we have to pay, so that will be greatly appreciated."

But Hillman warns the government should go further in supporting local boozers like his.

"We're really struggling with VAT, with alcohol duty, with the rateable value," he said. "So, if it carries on there just won't be many pubs left."

News imageJoe wears a black t-shirt and is smiling, he's sat with his coffee shop behind him, where tables have customers sat at them. In the left of the show, a sign reads "Coffee Get Fueled".
Joe Ingleton, who runs Fuelled Speciality Coffee in Uttoxeter, warns the business rates hike will mean he has to cut his staff hours to meet the cost.

Treasury officials say they recognise the financial difficulties faced by many pubs after sharp rises in the rateable value of their premises.

It's expected the government will make changes to how pubs' business rates are calculated, leading to lower bills for landlords.

But whilst that decision is brewing, other parts of the hospitality sector are left wondering how, from April, they can ensure their bills are covered.

Joe Ingleton, who runs Fuelled Speciality Coffee in Uttoxeter, said he would have to sell 3,000 cups of coffee just to pay for his business rates bill without support.

"We aren't against business rates. We believe we should be giving something to the community. But it's not done fairly," he said.

Ingleton warned his business rates bill would be more than £9,000 in the next financial year, forcing him to cut his staff hours.

In protest he joined the movement to ban Labour MPs from his business.

"It's not nice, but they're clearly not listening. I'm doing it for my staff, I'm doing it for myself, and I'm doing it for the community as well, the ones that keep us going." Ingleton said.

'Advocate for hospitality sector'

Jacob Collier, Labour MP for Burton-upon-Trent and Uttoxeter, and said he had been pushing to get business rates that are fair for the industry.

"I understand the challenges that face the sector and that's why its so important we look at the business rates again, make sure that we get these valuations right and we put in place that proper support," he said.

In response to a coffee shop owner in his constituency that has banned him, Collier said: "It was disappointing that he took the decision that he did, but I've been continuing to advocate for the hospitality sector whether I'm allowed to go into a business or not."

In an interview last week on ITV's Good Morning Britain, chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "I want to support our pubs, I want to support our high streets. That's why we made the change to the rates.

"But, I recognise that many pubs are still struggling and we're working with them."

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