CAMRA responds to the announcement of independent review of how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates in England and Wales
Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA chairman, said:
“This is another promising step from the new Government. Our pubs have suffered for far too long under the current ratings system, which punishes bricks and mortar businesses, and creates the ridiculous situation where global giants pay less per square metre for warehousing than a licensee does for their pub.
“An independent review is a great way to look at this, and we will definitely be taking part on behalf of beer drinkers and pubgoers. As always, the real difference will be dependent on the results. Hopefully, there will be fundamental changes to the out-of-date ratings system and publicans will have the certainty and incentive to grow their businesses.
“We hope the right stakeholders will be involved to make sure that the best outcome is found for publicans and pubgoers.
“Ordinary drinkers want their locals open, busy and at the centre of communities. Tackling our unfair business rates system will help if the review delivers lower and fairer bills.”
Locally, Sean Clarke of Business Sheffield has been encouraging local publicans to participate in the call for evidence which seeks views from businesses, representative bodies, valuation professionals and other interested stakeholders; this will help inform recommendations to Government ahead of the next revaluation. The documentation is available on the government website and responses need to be emailed to pubsandhotelreview@hmtreasury.gov.uk by 16 October.