Pubgoers group CAMRA calls for business rates cut to be matched
Responding to the announcement that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is cutting business rates bills in England by 20%, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said:
“Pubgoers are crying out for a First Minister and Scottish Government that matches the new Prime Minister’s pro-pub stance, and which wants to protect and promote our pubs as vital community hubs.
“The First Minister should commit today to matching the announcement made for pubs in England and give our locals an extra 20% discount on their business rates bills too.
“Our business rates system is grossly unfair to pubs and social clubs, bricks and mortar businesses that are also vital social institutions for their communities. We desperately need proper reform of the system, so pubs aren’t forced to pay eye-watering business rates bills. A truly fair business rates system would permanently lower bills for pubs and end the need for these temporary reliefs once and for all.”
