Imagine running a beloved local pub, only to feel like the government is throwing one financial blow after another your way. That's the harsh reality for Matthew Sankey, landlord of The George and Dragon in Speldhurst, who's facing a staggering 93% hike in business rates. This, coupled with skyrocketing costs across the hospitality industry, has him feeling like he's in a never-ending fight for survival. Sankey, who took the helm of this Kent pub just last year, paints a grim picture of the sector teetering on the edge of collapse due to relentless cost increases.
But here's where it gets controversial: while Sankey pleads for 'intelligent support' from the government, arguing that businesses can only pass so much of these rising costs onto customers, the Treasury counters with a £4.3 billion support package for pubs, restaurants, and cafes. They claim this has slashed the expected 45% increase in bills down to a mere 4%. Sounds like a win, right? Not so fast, says UK Hospitality, which warns that without further changes, business rate hikes could still cost each venue an extra £32,000 over three years.
And this is the part most people miss: Sankey, who owns multiple hospitality venues in Kent, emphasizes that support needs to come from all angles—customers, yes, but also smarter policies from the government. 'The constant increasing of costs is making it unviable,' he told Politics South East. The Treasury spokesperson highlights additional measures like easing licensing for pavement drinks, maintaining cuts to alcohol duty, and capping corporation tax. Yet, the question remains: is it enough?
Here’s the bold question we’re posing to you: Are government support packages truly addressing the root issues, or are they just band-aid solutions for a sector in crisis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Catch the full discussion on Politics South East, airing on BBC1 at 10:00 GMT on Sunday, or stream it later on BBC iPlayer. Stay connected with BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and share your story ideas via southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp at 08081 002250.
