You’ve probably seen today’s news that business rates are being slashed for pubs, clubs and music venues.
I’ll raise a glass to Andy and his team for this. One of the highlights of this job has been my regular ‘pint with your MP’ sessions which I’ve held at some of the fantastic watering holes across the constituency. Our pubs and other venues are often the beating hearts of our communities here in Southampton, which is why I wrote to the then chancellor last year to call for a cut in their business rates.
So I’m naturally pleased today, particularly as this comes on top of the business rate relief on this year’s bills that was already put in place by the previous chancellor.
I know that there will be some who say this is small beer. And I know that there are more hospitality and other businesses that need and deserve more support. Let’s see what comes later this year but, for now, this is another welcome week one step.
