News Shopper: Rates cut to save our pubs money

It’s been a busy few weeks in politics with Andy Burnham hitting the ground running as Prime Minister. He has been clear that we need to give people some breathing space to help with the cost of living. I’m delighted that the issues my colleagues and I have been raising are being listened to and action has already been taken. 

 

I’ve spoken to our local pubs about the pressures their industry face and met with trade bodies to discuss these concerns, which I’ve gone on to raise in Parliament. We’ve now announced that pubs and clubs in Bexleyheath and Crayford will receive a further 20% cut to their business rate bills. This saves the typical pub an estimated £1,100 next year, with 5 local pubs set to save between £7,000 and £10,000 annually. This change will be funded by reviewing relief for businesses such as vape shops that do not make a positive contribution to our communities. The Government will also crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations, putting them at an unfair advantage over businesses that play by the rules. 

 

64% of our pubs and social clubs across the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency have already had a business rates cut following the Government’s announcement earlier this year. As a result of last week’s announcement, in the next two years, the combined cuts in 2026/27 and 2027/28 mean 85% of our local pubs and social clubs will see their rates reduced. The remaining 15% will either pay no business rates or less than £50 per month. 

 

I also welcome the immediate action the new Prime Minister has taken to take VAT off energy bills from 1st October and give breathing space on the cost of living. Taking 5% VAT off domestic electricity bills will give everyone in Britain some help with their electricity bills, which is expected to knock £45 off the annual energy price cap.  

 

It is great news that bus fares in England outside London, including for those constituents that need to travel in North Kent, will be capped at £2 from January 2027 until the end of 2027. In London, bus fares will be £1.85 from November. If London bus fares had risen in line with inflation over the last 10 years, they would now be £2.35. The Mayor’s decision to freeze fares for a number of years, along with the introduction of the hopper fare, has resulted in cheaper bus fares here in London.  

 

Last week TfL also launched the summer hopper scheme meaning on weekends in August you can use the bus for an unlimited number of journeys during one day at the weekend and pay only once. 

 

The Government has also frozen rail fares this year and prescription charges for the last two years. We’ve legislated for free breakfast clubs at primary schools across the country with the roll out locally now starting with three launching in September at Gravel Hill School in Bexleyheath, St Fidelis School in Northumberland Heath and St Paul’s School in Slade Green. 

 

We’ve also launched Great British Summer Savings slashing VAT on children’s meals and attractions over the summer, helping families and businesses. I’ve pulled together a list of the businesses taking part in the Great British Summer Savings campaign plus free and discounted activities taking place across Bexleyheath and Crayford on danielfrancis.uk/summer-savings.  Do make the most of some great events and activities on your doorstep.  

 

To any local businesses that are running special offers this summer that are not included do get in touch with my office via [email protected].