"Please don't put any more burden on us" urges Cleethorpes pub owner
A Cleethorpes pub owner has called on the Chancellor to announce VAT changes in the Spring budget.
Last updated 5th Mar 2024
A Cleethorpes pub owner has called on the government to reduce VAT rates to help ease pressure on the hospitality industry.
During the pandemic, businesses in hospitality saw their VAT rates drop to 5%, and then upped to 12.%. The rate of VAT they charge to customers has since risen back to pre-pandemic levels of 20%, something which Cleethorpes TapHouse and Kitchen owner Nathan Taylor would like to see reduced.
He said: "When we charge you as a customer, that money goes back into the government pot - I think we should have a fairer playing field because I don't think it's proportional to the margins we have to achieve."
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has hinted at a National Insurance cut ahead of his Spring budget statement on Wednesday.
Sharing his message to the Chancellor ahead of his statement Nathan said: "Please don't put any more burden on small businesses. If you've got that breathing space it makes a massive difference, it's a little bit of a weight off your shoulders.
"Everyone needs that breathing space, that little bit of leeway and it just feels like nobody's got it at the moment."
Nathan said the constant pressure of trying to stay afloat as a small business can take a toll on business owners' wellbeing.
He said: "You become accustomed to those sleepless nights, and it puts pressure on your home life and family. You can't switch off if you own a small business - if you do, it can be the fastest way to the bottom."