Landlords across the Stroud District have joined forces with local MP Simon Opher in a bid to push for reforms to business rates and other rising costs threatening the survival of pubs.
Fred Hulls, owner of The Royal Oak and Good Food Kitchen in Wotton-under-Edge, invited industry leaders to meet Dr Opher at the community pub to discuss sector-specific data and scenarios that could be presented to the Treasury.
Dr. Opher met with Mr Hulls at The Royal Oak in Wotton, the top-rated family pub, along with Nick Beardsley, owner of the The Old Lodge in Minchinhampton and The Old Fleece at Rooksmoor, and Greg Pilley, owner of Stroud Brewery,
Mr Hulls said: “Along with Richard Quiglkey, the MP for Isle of Wight, Dr. Opher formed a group of around 30 MPs to liaise with the treasury and No. 10 on the matter.
“While we were initially disappointed by the 15% reduction on business rates, we ran the pub’s figures with our BII accountant and were massively impressed with the outcome. We originally thought our business rate was increasing more than 120%, from £10,250 to £22,750, but when ran our estimate with the government’s new reliefs, which any operator can check here, we felt massive comfort as that number was hugely slashed, with only small increases over the next few years.”
The team came together to review and influence the Chancellor’s budget that was due to negatively impact pubs as well as the retail and hospitality industries at large. In addition to business rates, the local landlord alliance also plans to discuss with Dr. Opher VAT, duty, PAYE and other items that continue to inflate at an unreasonable rate and hurt pubs.
“The calculations are complex, and depend on a range of factors,” added Dr Opher. “I strongly urge everyone affected to contact the Business Rates department at Stroud District Council in the first instance. In the meantime I remain committed to doing everything I can to support local high street and hospitality businesses, which are the lifeblood of our local communities – including lobbying for the replacement of the current business rates system with one that is fair and workable.”
