EHDC Leader wants action on business rates and VAT relief for hospitality sector
The Leader of East Hampshire District Council, Councillor Richard Millard, has written to the Chancellor calling for urgent support for pubs, live music venues and hospitality businesses facing mounting financial pressures and rising business rates.
Cllr Millard has urged John Healey MP to act, warning that the latest business rates revaluation is placing even greater pressure on businesses already battling rising operating costs, economic uncertainty and tough trading conditions.
He argues that many are being pushed "to the brink" and need immediate support to survive.
Read our letter to the Chancellor
While welcoming the Government's announced 15% business rates relief for pubs and live music venues in 2026-27, alongside transitional relief measures, Cllr Millard is calling for a further 20% relief planned for 2027-28 to be brought forward and applied from next year.
The proposal would provide a combined 35% reduction in business rates, offering much-needed breathing space for venues and hospitality businesses facing increasing financial pressures.
Councillor Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: "Our pubs, live music venues and hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities, but many are facing incredibly difficult trading conditions.
"The business rates revaluation has disproportionately affected sectors that are already under pressure from rising costs and economic uncertainty. Without further support, some businesses risk being pushed to the brink.
"Bringing forward the proposed 20% rates relief, on top of the 15% already announced, would provide meaningful help and give businesses a better chance of surviving and investing in their future.
"We are also supporting calls for hospitality VAT to be reduced from 20% to 10%, helping create a fairer and more sustainable environment for one of the UK's most important sectors."
In the letter, Cllr Millard stresses that these measures should be viewed as the beginning of wider reforms needed to reduce the burden on businesses, boost confidence and support long-term economic growth.
He argues that a thriving small business community is essential to the future prosperity of both East Hampshire and the wider UK economy.