The closure of approximately 520 pubs in the 18 months since Labour came to power has led to a loss of around 7,800 jobs, prompting outrage from pub owners. This situation is exacerbated by anticipated significant increases in business rates, a form of property tax, following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget.
Some pub landlords are experiencing substantial tax bill hikes, with one reporting a potential 75% increase, and feel that policies under Labour are making it "almost impossible to run a pub." Industry analysis suggests the average pub's rates bill could surge by 76% by 2029, with over 5,000 pubs facing at least a doubling of their business rates. In protest, more than 1,000 pubs have banned Labour MPs from their premises.
While Reeves has acknowledged the need to support publicans and indicated potential business rates relief beyond just pubs, concrete details for wider sector support have not yet been announced. Critics argue that Labour's policies have caused this "chaos" and left businesses in "limbo," emphasizing the need for permanent business rates cuts to ensure the survival and growth of pubs and local businesses.
The government, however, maintains that a £4.3 billion support package announced at the Budget was intended to protect most ratepayers from increases.