News Beat
Rachael Maskell pledges to continue fight for wider support
Rachael Maskell has pledged to keep fighting for a more widespread support for businesses, with the York Central MP noting independent shops and cafes will not qualify for the support as announced for pubs today (tue).
The MP told the Press afterwards: “The government did not deliver the lifeline that they so desperately need and I commit to continue my fight for them.”
Ms Maskell is staging a summit with city businesses on Friday on business rates and is keen to hear from those needing further support.
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Earlier today (Tue), the government announced pubs and music venues will get 15% off their business rates bills from April as part of a major support package.
This follows warnings from the sector that changes from November’s autumn Budget would lead to mass closures and job losses.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said the property tax bills in England will then be “frozen in real terms” for the next two years.
He added that the support will be worth £1,650 for the average pub next year.
However, this was more than offset by the removal of a Covid-era 40% discount to business rates bills for hospitality, leisure and retail businesses, as well as new property valuations.
Industry groups had warned that pubs in England are set to face a 76%, or £7,000, increase in their business rates bills in the next three years as a result.
When the measures were announced in Parliament, Ms Maskell said: “York is a difficult place to trade in, with two thirds of them independents. Many of them won’t get the relief, which the minister has announced today.”
The Labour MP further told the House: “I sent a paper and a spreadsheet of every business in the York BID area. It (the announcement) is just not meeting their needs and businesses will close.”
“Will the Minister look at the detail and ensure that there is resilience is built in and support because York has a very strong retail reputation but it’s about to be challenged unless more help comes this way?”
The Minister replied he is aware of the issues facing York.
He continued: “We have come forward with a significant package of support. There are many independent and small businesses that do not pay business rates because we have small business rates relief in place, which we are extending to include a second premise.”
York Outer’s Luke Charters highlighted ‘legendary landlords’ Gary Penrose of the Marcia in Bishopthorpe and Adam Atkinson of the Wenlock Arms in Wheldrake, saying he recently met with them, when he asked his question.
The Labour MP continued: “The reality is the Tories created a ticking timebomb on business rates and then walked away like someone who spilled a pint and left us to mop it up.”
“Does the Minister agree with me that this government is determined the back the legendary landlords like Adam and Gary?”
The minster replied he wanted to support such landlords and he looked forward to having a pint with some this weekend.
However, Thirsk and Malton Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake said the announced measures are only temporary and won’t include restaurants, cafes, hotels/B&Bs, or gyms, spas and beauty parlours.
He posted on social media: “Together with the Jobs Tax and new employment red tape, it’s a disaster for high streets.”
The Conservative Party Chairman also told the Press: “This partial U-turn is a short-term fix that helps a few, while most businesses continue to face soaring bills.
“Our high streets in North Yorkshire are suffering and need permanently lower business rates – not just for pubs, but for the shops and hospitality that make them thrive.
“These tax rises are a political choice, driven by prioritising higher welfare spending over hard working people and small business owners.”
