The Baum being hit with a £100,000 increase in rateable value

The Baum

Two popular Rochdale pubs, The Baum and The Healey, are being hit was a huge rise in business rates that outraged owner Simon Crompton has condemned as a "joke".

The Baum is being hit with an increase in rateable value of a staggering £100,000 and The Healey a £53,000 increase.

Mr Crompton said: "The Baum’s business rates [rateable value] are going from £26,000 to £126,000 and The Healey from £15,000 to £68,000 - a joke!"

Business rates are set by the Government and rating for pubs is complex. Unlike other rates assessments which are based on rents, valuations for pubs are based on an assessment of ‘fair maintainable trade’, which is calculated using information on turnover, services offered, the local area and other factors.