Following yesterday’s general election, the BII is looking forward to working with the newly elected Labour government, particularly around their pledges for growth, safer communities and opportunities for all.
With new Ministers and MPs now in place, the BII will continue to take the voices of its members, mainly operating independent pub businesses across the UK, to those at the heart of Government.
Whilst inflation has come down in recent months, the impact of long term, embedded high costs in energy, food and drink, and staffing has been huge for pubs, especially with pandemic specific debt still hampering their ability to invest in their businesses to drive further growth. With National Living Wage inflation in particular, having a large ripple effect on roles across their businesses, they need investment and support from Government to help them weather the impact of these short-term issues.
Steve Alton, BII CEO commented:
“We are now looking forward to working with the new Government, to gain the vital investment that our members need to unlock their full potential. Our pubs are unique in their contribution, bringing huge economic impact, accessible, skilled jobs in every local community across the UK, and provide vital social value.
“Our sector has long been specifically referenced by all parties as a key part of our social fabric, as well as our economy. Our new Government must recognise the hugely unfair tax burden that our sector, and particularly the small, independent businesses have shouldered for decades. Our priority will be centred around working with Ministers, MPs and officials to reduce excessive taxation, provide immediate certainty of a continuation of the current business rates relief due to end in March 2025, as well as a full reform of this outdated and unfair rates system.
“With 2 in 3 independent pubs either making a loss or breaking even, the need for investment is clear. If pubs are unable to thrive, we stand to lose so much more than small businesses in their communities.
We lose assets of immeasurable social value, connecting and caring for local people, reducing loneliness, raising millions for charity and so much more.
“The key to unlocking growth in every area of the UK, is investment in small businesses, towns and high streets, and at the heart of all of those lies the pub. Our pubs provide skilled jobs, careers and entrepreneurial opportunities for everyone, connecting people and communities in highly regulated, safe spaces, all whilst delivering significant tax revenue into the Treasury.
“Our members need certainty on the future for their pubs, livelihoods and teams, through a fairer approach to the tax they pay as bricks and mortar businesses, providing an experience that cannot be replicated online.
“We will continue to encourage our members to share their challenges with their local MPs, showing them not only the support that is needed for them as small businesses at the heart of their communities, but also the essential and unique part they play in local economies, employment, supply chains and tax revenue into the Treasury.
“Our #MyPub campaign has helped members to engage with their local representatives, and with a large number of new MPs now in place, this is the perfect time to redouble our collective efforts in inviting them to see first-hand the huge positive impact pubs have in every village, high street, town and city across the UK.”