All party inquiry launched into pub business rates

The All-party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG) is conducting an inquiry into pubs’ business rates and asks individual licensees and any interested parties to submit evidence or ideas for reform by Wednesday 17th February 2022.

The inquiry’s terms of reference are:

To understand:

  • The impact of business rates on pubs’ operations in England and the efficacy of the valuation process and appeals system;
  • The fairness of business rates on a sectoral basis;
  • The impact of the Government’s current proposals for reform.

And to explore:

  • Hospitality as a catalyst for inward investment, high street regeneration and employment and skills growth;
  • Options for business rates reform to recognise this and pubs’ wider contribution locally and nationally, including rebalancing the burden of business rates between the digital and physical economies.

APPBG Chair Mike Wood MP (Con, Dudley S) said: “The APPBG has reported previously on the pressures pubs face from business rates – most recently, shortly before the first lockdown in 2020[1]. Covid relief provided a welcome respite for many but did not tackle the underlying imbalances in the system. We want to find an equitable way to address this now, to give pubs a sporting chance of fighting back from Covid and contributing all they have to offer.

“As we’ve concluded before, pubs have extraordinary potential to catalyse investment, regeneration and innovation; let’s work out how rates can support, not hinder, this future and play their part in levelling up communities across the country. We would welcome any ideas and evidence.”

All written evidence will be published on the APPBG’s inquiry website  – www.beergroupinquiry.com –  and virtual hearings will be held with invited witnesses on 23rd February, followed by a report in March.

Evidence should be submitted by email to Paul Hegarty, Hon Secretary, APPBG: paul@beergroup.co.uk making clear any information which is submitted in confidence.