Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers welcomes business rate review
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed communities secretary Sajid Javid's plans to review business rates.
Yesterday, Javid spoke about how he plans to "level the playing field" for businesses, many of which are concerned about the revaluation of business rates set for April this year.
Javid said he will help those facing difficulties: "I have always listened to businesses and this situation is no exception. It's clear to me that more needs to be done to level the playing field and make the system fairer."
He also confirmed that chancellor Philip Hammond will use his Budget on 8 March to provide financial support to businesses facing increases. It is expected that he will pay out millions of pounds in compensation to small businesses in trouble.
The ALMR have come forward to ask the Government to specifically target pubs and bars.
ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "Overtures by the Minister to level the playing field are very welcome, but he must follow through with his statements and act decisively. In particular, he must address the very specific concerns of the licensed hospitality sector that is uniquely disadvantaged by the current system.
"If he is serious about reform for the sector then the Minister must consider the ALMR's three chief requests: the introduction of sector-specific relief for pubs and bars, a capping of bills increases, and retention of a robust and fair system for appeals.
"The ALMR has already contacted the Secretary of State to offer to meet with him to share our concerns and provide assistance. We have also contacted pubs located in the constituencies of prominent Cabinet Ministers to coordinate a campaign for venues and ensure that the Government understands fully the magnitude of the problem and follows through on its commitments to businesses."
The ALMR runs over 23,000 outlets and employs over 650,000 employees across UK pub, club, bar and casual dining operators.
ALMR urges operators to speak out on business rate rises >>
Government backtracks on business rates rises >>
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