Alicia Kearns MP has welcomed the news that the government will be putting a support package in place to back British pubs but says more needs to be done.

On Tuesday 27 January, the government announced a major package of support on business rates and licensing to support British pubs.

This has come after the House of Commons previously announced new business rates would be introduced from 1 April 2026 to remove 'covid-era reliefs.'

On 22 January, Alicia Kearns MP spoke in Parliament, asking Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer to explain the increase on business rates for pubs.

She drew on the example of The Bertie Arms, a local pub that would have faced a 2,000 percent increase in business rates by 2029.

However, the government has since announced the major support package to support British pubs, saying 'the government recognises the challenges facing the industry and the vital role they play in building strong local communities.'

In a statement to Oakham Nub News in response to this, Kearns said: 'The Government's partial u-turn is a welcome start, however it falls far short of what is needed.

'Many pubs will still face higher bills, while most other hospitality businesses have been abandoned without any support at all. If we are to ensure the future of our community pubs and high street businesses, business rates relief must go significantly further.

'I will continue to do all I can to press the Government until it listens to the very real concerns of struggling businesses - they need a reprieve, not a sticking plaster.'

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READ MORE: Rutland MP asks Prime Minister to explain local pub tax increase

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