For centuries, pubs have been at the heart of local communities, but their future is under threat due to ever-rising costs and Government red tape.
I’ve been out and about across Mid Beds meeting our hard-working publicans, and it’s clear that they’re facing a fight to survive, rather than being given the opportunity to thrive.
Business rates remain one of the most significant burdens. They are forced to pay thousands of pounds to their local council before they’ve even earned a penny. And it’s difficult to see how that expenditure can be justified.
It hasn’t been helped by the Government cutting the rates relief given by the previous Government to our leisure and hospitality sector.
At the same time, energy costs have risen sharply in recent years due to wars and COVID, hitting hospitality businesses particularly hard given their reliance on heating, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment.
On top of this, the Government’s increases to National Insurance contributions are adding further strain, especially for pubs that pride themselves on employing local people.
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These challenges are not unique to one pub or one village. They are being felt across the country, and they require a serious, coordinated response from the government.
If we want to protect our high streets and preserve the role that pubs play as community hubs, we must ensure the policy environment supports, rather than stifles, enterprise.
That is why we Conservatives have set out a clear plan to back local businesses.
Central to this is our commitment to reform and ultimately scrap business rates for thousands of high street firms, replacing an outdated system that penalises bricks-and-mortar businesses.
Alongside this, our Cheap Power Plan is designed to tackle the root causes of high energy prices, helping to bring down costs not just for households but also for businesses.
We are also focused on reducing the regulatory burden. Labour’s proposed Employment Rights changes risk adding complexity and cost at a time when many small businesses can least afford it.
As Conservatives, we believe in a proportionate approach that protects workers while allowing businesses the flexibility they need to grow and create jobs.
Local pubs are more than just businesses; they are employers and community spaces. If we want them to remain at the heart of our towns and villages here in Mid Beds and right across the country, we must ease the burden and get our pubs thriving again.
This is a monthly guest column provided by
Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire.
It is published unedited and does not
reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
