Karen has welcomed the recent announcement that pubs across the UK will benefit from a £1,000 business rates discount.
Pubs are at the heart of communities up and down this country, but we know, like many smaller businesses, they can often struggle with the costs of business rates.
The Chancellor confirmed the new Pubs Relief would be introduced in April, with £1,000 being taken off the business rates bills of small pubs who qualify.
As many as 18,000 pubs are expected to benefit from the discount.
The relief will come on top of an extended retail discount, which smaller pubs are also eligible for. Those eligible for both reliefs will get up to £13,500 off their annual bills.
The Pubs Relief is part of a package of measures that is being introduced by the government to support local high streets. From April this year:
- small shops and cafes will see their bills halved as the retail discount, currently a third off, is extended to 50%
- music venues and cinemas will become eligible for the retail discount
- a £1,500 discount for local newspapers office space will be extended for a further five years
Commenting Karen said:
“We have so many fantastic pubs in Staffordshire Moorlands and as the daughter of a pub landlord, I know that this is a very welcome announcement indeed.”
The support for pubs comes following the announcement of more than £1m for community pubs. The funding will help an estimated 100 new groups to take ownership of and save their local, or support essential community services in pubs in rural and remote areas.