Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of major new support for the hospitality sector, describing it as “a demonstration that the Government are listening and engaging honestly”.
A consistent advocate for hospitality operators
Richard, who owns a small hospitality business on the Isle of Wight, has been a consistent advocate in Parliament for pubs, venues and small hospitality operators.
His sustained engagement with Ministers was recognised from the dispatch box in Parliament, where the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury praised him as “a relentless advocate for businesses in his constituency” whose constructive approach helped shape the measures announced this week.
15% reduction in business rates
Under the new package, pubs across the country will receive a 15 per cent reduction in business rates from April, accompanied by a two-year freeze on bills. Treasury figures show that this will remove around £1,650 from the average pub’s business rates bill next year, with three-quarters of pubs seeing bills flat or falling.
Local Authorities will award this relief at their discretion, applying Government guidance to ensure the support is targeted at pubs and hospitality venues as intended.
The “positive side of politics”
The Exchequer Secretary highlighted Richard’s role in securing this outcome, noting that his engagement on behalf of local businesses represented the “positive side of politics” the kind of constructive work that often goes unreported.
Quigley: Pleased that Ministers have listened to the concerns I and others have raised
Richard Quigley MP said,
“When I first heard about the double business rate whammy facing pubs from businesses in my constituency I was forthcoming with these concerns and I’m so pleased to have been met with honest and constructive engagement.
“I’m pleased that Ministers have listened to the concerns I and others have raised. This is honest engagement at its best: the Government hearing the challenges our hospitality sector faces and responding with meaningful action.
“I will continue to champion the interests of local businesses to ensure they get the support they need to thrive and will always have honest conversations with my government where necessary.”
Punch: This announcement is a necessary correction, not a solution
Andy Spencer, Punch Pubs & Co CEO, who have six pubs on the Isle of Wight said,
“We welcome the Government’s decision to address the proposed rise in business rates for pubs with a specific support package, and it is right that the strength of feeling across the sector has been recognised.
“Our pubs are at the heart of communities up and down the country, delivering significant socio-economic value; yet for too long they have shouldered a disproportionate and deeply unfair tax burden that has threatened their long-term sustainability.
“This announcement is a necessary correction, not a solution, and we will continue to work with the Government, alongside our trade associations, in order to achieve meaningful, long-term reform of the rates valuation system. This will help ourselves and our Publicans have the confidence to invest, grow and plan with certainty for the future.”
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
