Mayor of the East Midlands speaks out on business rates for the pub industry

The Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, has welcomed the Government’s decision to take another look at business rates for the pub industry, warning that urgent action is needed to prevent further closures.

Mayor Claire Ward said:

“I am pleased to see the Government is looking again at the business rates for the pub industry, many of which are facing rate increases in the tens of thousands of pounds. This must be done quickly to give the industry reassurance and certainty that they can continue to operate. 

“Pubs are not just a place for a pint – they are community hubs, alleviating social isolation and often the heartbeat of their communities.  I do not want to see pubs closing because of increasing costs, so I urge the Government to move at pace.

“I will be pushing for the Government to go further and look at the impact business rate changes are having on the wider hospitality industry, such as hotels. I have made the Visitor Economy a key area for regional economic growth and will do all I can to help the hospitality flourish in the East Midlands.”