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…
Red Wall Labour backbencher Jonathan Brash told GB News that Starmer should resign:
“I’m completely fed up about it, and I think it’s got to the point now where I genuinely think that, as far as the Prime Minister is concerned, it’s not a case of if, it’s when.”