An expected climbdown by the government over business rate bill rises faced by pubs in England has been cautiously welcomed by a Staffordshire landlord.
The move follows pressure from pub owners and industry groups that included more than 1,000 publicans banning Labour MPs from their hostelries, in protest.
While the chancellor lowered business rates, the value of the businesses rose, which will lead to a higher rates bill for many, from April.
Ian Hillman, who runs the Goat’s Head in Abbot’s Bromley, believes the bans have had an impact. “If [ministers] reduce the multiplier, that will reduce the amount we have to pay, so that will be greatly appreciated.”