'Any support is welcome but this is a derisory amount': Dudley pub landlord on Government pledge to cut 15 per cent off business rates
A multi-million pound package of support has been announced to help to lift spirits at pubs but the offering is "actually an insult to hard-working publicans" - that’s the message from one Dudley landlord who has described the last 12 months as his “toughest trading year”.
Pubs in England will get 15 per cent off their business rates next year, with the amount they pay frozen for two years after that, the Government announced today, as part of a £300 million support package for pubs.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told the Commons the support would be worth more than £1,600 for the average pub.
Any support offered "will be helpful" for struggling pub landlords in the West Midlands, Councillor Patrick Harley, who runs The Green Man at Swindon near Dudley, told the Express & Star.
Earlier this month he told how the the last 12 months have been the “toughest” he’s experienced in the pub trade.
Speaking earlier today as news of the support for pubs was brewing, Councillor Harley, who is the leader of Dudley Council, said: “I welcome any assistance at all for pubs."
However, as more detail emerged he added: "Any support is welcome but this is a derisory amount. It's actually an insult to hard-working publicans. They are still increasing business rates except by not as much. Last year our business rates increased by £200 a month. With them increasing by another similar amount this help won't go far. Many pubs will close at an even faster rate."
John Corser, chairman of the Dudley and South Staffordshire branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), said: “The branch welcomes any moves to ease the financial burden on the pubs across our area.
“We have seen several pub closures over recent months, but many owners are showing confidence in the future by investing in refurbishing premises.
