Southport Lib Dems Call for Support to Save Pubs and Cafes

The Labour Government is set to announce a U-turn on proposed increases to business rates on pubs. Local Lib Dems believe this should be extended to the whole of the hospitality sector to help local struggling businesses.

In her November Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves scaled back business rate discounts that have been in force since the pandemic from 75% to 40% – and announced that there would be no discount at all from April.

Mike Sammon, Lib Dem Councillor for Cambridge Wardwho is also bringing a motion to next week’s Council meeting calling for urgent action to support pubs, cafés, restaurants and bars across the borough, said: “It’s incredibly worrying that the Chancellor didn’t appreciate what the impact of this damaging rise would be and the financial realities facing many pubs, hotels, cafes and other hospitality outlets. Any U-turn should be extended to the whole of the sector otherwise we will see more places closing and more people losing their jobs, which we have already seen in Southport.”

Simon Shaw, Lib Dem Councillor for Birkdale, added: “Staggeringly we seem to be seeing more U-turns than policy announcements from the Labour Government. This will be the 12th such since Labour came into Government, including inheritance tax raid of farmers, two child cap, welfare reform and winter fuel payments.

“At a time when cost of living is so high, the economy so precarious and growth desperately needed, it’s staggering that there can be so much inconsistency and indecision from the Government. Let’s hope they see sense on not cutting support for hospitality.”