Business rate cut not enough, says Michelin-star chef
Summary
Michelin-star chef Alex Claridge says that a government plan to cut business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in the UK is not enough to help independent restaurants. He argues that many hospitality businesses still face high costs and risk closing if more support is not given, such as lowering VAT (a type of sales tax).Key Facts
- The UK government will reduce business rates by 20% for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues starting next April.
- This cut aims to support these venues and help local high streets.
- Independent restaurants, cafes, hotels, and cinemas are not included in this business rates cut.
- Chef Alex Claridge runs The Wilderness, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Birmingham, and says many hospitality businesses struggle financially despite being busy.
- Claridge believes lowering VAT for all hospitality businesses would help more than just cutting business rates.
- The business rates cut will cost £100 million and come from reviewing tax relief given to companies like vape shops.
- Claridge warns that short-term fixes are not enough and more changes are needed to keep small hospitality businesses open.
- The government says almost 32,000 venues will benefit from the new business rates relief.
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