US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Labour MPs banned from independent businesses after The Budget 'taxed them out'
Independent venues in Southbourne and Dorset boycott Labour MPs to protest business rate hikes risking closure of nine in ten pubs, owners say.
- Independent hospitality businesses in Southbourne, Christchurch and Wimborne have started refusing service to Labour MPs after the annual budget, led by James Fowler, who says the government is `taxing out` independents.
- Organisers say they engaged ministers and central government but faced no reversal, and last year’s business-rate revaluations raised rateable values despite a business-rates multiplier cut.
- Data from owners shows Fowler cut his team by 50 per cent last year as locals reduced spending, while organisers warn only one in ten independent pubs and venues will survive, risking more than 400 businesses.
- Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, took Fowler to meet Rachel Reeves at No.10 but says businesses are limiting his ability to secure a fairer deal.
- The Treasury says it has a £4.3 billion package to support high street businesses, but many warn bills may rise from April 2026 while large food chains have more resources.
Insights by Ground AI
10 Articles
10 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Right
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Right
86% Right
14%
R 86%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
