A third of firms are worried about their business rates, according to the latest survey from the British Chamber of Commerce. The highest level since the survey began nine years ago…
A chunky 52% of firms say they plan to put up prices due to rising costs. Unsurprisingly, fears are highest in the hospitality sector (49%), followed by manufacturing at 44%. Meanwhile, Labour’s trailed U-turn on business rates for pubs is generating a significant backlash seeing as hotels, cafes, restaurants, and other hospitality sectors look set to be hung out to dry. Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insights at the BCC, warned:
“While news of a carve out for pubs is welcome, there are many other smaller hospitality companies facing an existential threat. Meanwhile at the other end of the scale, airports and hotel chains are expected to pay millions more.”
U-turn when you have to…
Kemi Badenoch defended her decision not to force Tory councils to hold elections in May, telling GB News:
“It is Conservative policy that we should have elections, but I’m not a dictator. You know Nigel Farage, no one else makes any decisions, he’s a one-man band.”