Tony Lloyd demands support for local pubs in Monday’s Budget

Tony Lloyd, MP for Rochdale

Tony Lloyd MP has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, to request that business rates relief for pubs are included in Monday’s budget.

Mr Lloyd commented: “Pubs are a part of the heart of our town centres and communities. Often they provide a public place for people to socialise and they contribute hugely to our economy.”

“Rochdale town centre has recently seen a major revival of its fortunes and the new shopping centre will be an important part of that, so too are the new bars and restaurants. That is why it is so important to support all those businesses that can build the vibrant town centre that people want to see.”

He went on to explain that statistics now show that around three pubs per day are forced to close their doors in the UK, due to many pressures the industry is currently facing.

This is then compounded by the government’s business rates increases (as well as Beer Duty and VAT) resulting in one in every three pounds spent in a pub going back in tax.

Mr Lloyd added: “We should be supporting our pubs and the wider brewing industry.”

Subsequently, he has urged the Chancellor, “to reconsider the planned increase and instead provide business rates relief for this struggling secto.r”

Mr Hammond is scheduled to deliver his 2018 Budget on Monday 29 October.