Firstly, a huge thank you to those of you who have already taken the opportunity to write to your MPs at this critical time. I can’t overstate how vital it is that MPs are left in no doubt about the importance of further investment in your pubs.
The Autumn Statement ahead is not a budget, however, the Chancellor can choose to further extend current measures, and you have been clear on the importance of early notice of the continuation of the current business rates relief for at least another year. We know that an extension of this relief to all of the devolved nations would also provide a huge amount of valuable support.
Pubs are clearly disproportionately taxed and we will continue to make the case for the overall reduction and reform in this area, with you telling us your priority is for a reduced rate of VAT, specifically for pubs and hospitality businesses.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have taken the opportunity to directly engage with Minsters, MPs and officials, making the clear case for investing in our nations pubs. At both the Conservative and Labour party conferences, I attended the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group sessions, where there was strong support for our nations’ pubs from MPs in attendance.
We now need to ensure that all MPs back our clear case for Government investment in our pubs, so I would ask that if you haven’t already done so, you take a few minutes to write to your MP via our #MyPub campaign.
Contact your MP now
Ahead of the Autumn Statement, we have written directly to the Chancellor, to further make this case for investment, as well as to lay the foundations ahead of the Spring Budget.
Read our letter to the Chancellor here
As ever, we are here to take your voices to Government as well as to support you and your pub businesses at the heart of your communities.
Steve Alton
BII CEO