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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 to serve Labour MPs after the annual budget raised business rates, led by James Fowler, owner of the Larder House.
- Organisers say they engaged ministers and central government but faced no reversal, while last year’s business-rate revaluations raised rateable values despite a multiplier cut.
- Data from owners shows Fowler cut his team by 50 per cent as footfall fell, and 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 and 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 some premises could face higher bills from April 2026 as large food chains have more resources.
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11 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Right
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Right
86% Right
14%
R 86%
Factuality
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