Another U-turn is imminent from the government on business rates – but for pubs alone. It’s not even ten days into January yet…
Labour MPs and some Cabinet ministers have been raging at the large rate hikes faced by hospitality businesses, caused by the removal of pandemic-era reliefs and the Valuation Office Agency’s re-evaluation of rate charges. Adding thousands to bills…
Starmer said the government was looking at “further support” earlier this week. Treasury analysis of the changes has led the department to reconsider and explore valuation changes among other measures. Here’s an idea – reverse the last two Budgets…
Firms have been told not to make their worries public while the government works out what to do. Hotels are unlikely to get targeted support because people have more sympathy for pubs. They will pass on a hike in business rates to their customers…
Douglas Alexander – a friend of Starmer’s – was asked on Sky News if the PM will be in post at the next election. He wasn’t so sure himself:
“I think he will. There are no certainties but of course I think he will lead and I think he should because, frankly, on the biggest call in this parliament he’s exercised the right judgment, which is to keep us out of someone else’s war.”