‘Not going to save pubs’ say Bolton landlords on new rate relief

The Treasury announced that every pub in England would get 15 per cent off its new business rates bill from April 1.

This support package was a U-turn from November’s Budget, which would have ended financial relief first introduced during the pandemic.

Bolton Council had voted to oppose the end of rate relief on January 20, with the figures for one pub showing monthly bills rising by more than 70 per cent.

But critics have argued the new support doesn’t go far enough to support pubs, which are already struggling to open.

‘A lot of them are gone already’

Nick Howcroft, owner of Henighans Bar and Grill in Little Lever, said the relief doesn’t go far enough.

He said: “We need to be more radical than 15 per cent – it’s not going to do anything, and it’s not going to save pubs – a lot of them are gone already.”

He added that he only owns one pub now, after putting Henighan’s Eat and Drink on Bury Road in Breightmet up for sale a year ago.

At the time, Nick said he was selling the pub as it had just got “quieter and quieter and quieter” and it was time to move on 14 years after buying it.

Nick Howcroft, owner of Henighans Bar and Grill in Little Lever (Image: Newsquest)

He added that the government hasn’t given “any clarity” to the plans, and he said: “It’s hard to comment, they don’t have a clue.”

‘Business rates are out of control’

Danny Loynd, manager of The Balmoral, also said he does not think it’s enough, and the relief should have been left where it was.

He said: “I don’t think it’s enough – I think they should have left it where it was.

“I think we’re going to see a lot more closures this year and also next year.

“Bolton’s a difficult town as it is, so any support we can get is helpful but at the minute we’re not really getting anything.”

Chris Howgate, landlord of Elephant and Castle and The Jolly Carter in Little Lever, said that “business rates are out of control at the minute”.

He said: “They’re through the roof and that’s why businesses are closing.

“I don’t think it’s enough to be honest, especially with rates as they are.”