It’s not just pubs that are threatened by a major rise in business rates.
That’s the message from York’s Liberal Democrats, who have found that a pharmacy, a dental surgery and libraries will be hit with big increases too.
Their research found the rateable value of Gale Farm Pharmacy on Front Street is up 51% and the Clock House Dental Practice on Heworth Village will see an increase of 30%.
Acomb Explore Library would see a 12% increase and Energise Leisure Centre on Cornlands Road up 8%.
The Treasury is understood to be preparing a support package for the pub industry, due to be announced in the coming days, following an outcry over the impact of a major hike in business rates.
But York councillors say other businesses need help too.
The rate rises come as Covid era relief is ended and following a reevalauation of rateable values.
Lib Dem Economy spokesperson Cllr Ashley Mason said “It is becoming increasingly clear that the Government’s plans are unravelling under scrutiny from opposition politicians and their own backbench MPs.
“It’s a complete shambles and local businesses are having to contend with this fresh uncertainty on top of a barrage of challenges such as Labour’s National Insurance hike and Brexit red tape.
“And Labour’s plans are a particularly cruel blow for community pharmacies in the city who are already under severe strain.”
The National Pharmacy Association chief executive Henry Gregg said: “We’re urging the Government to exempt pharmacy businesses from business rates altogether, in the same way as GPs are.”
Cllr Mason has also highlighted the differences in the way that the Government’s proposed rates rise will hit local hospitality businesses.
For example, the Angel on the Green and Too Many Wines on Bishopthorpe Road would see their rateable values fall by 10% while others face a massive increase.
The Beagle in Foxwood would see its rateable value increase threefold and the nearby Dick Turpin pub in Woodthorpe sees a 270% increase.
In Heworth the rateable values of the Nags Head and the Heworth Inn are set to double and the Walnut Tree would see a 60% increase.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said publicans “can breathe a huge sigh of relief” over news of a support package, and added her organisation would “keenly await” details of the relief on offer.
A spokesperson for the Treasury said increases in valuations were being capped at 15% next year for those seeing their rates rise after independent assessments.
They said: “With Covid support ending and valuations rising, some firms may face higher costs – so we have stepped in to cap bills and help businesses, as part of a £4.3 billion support package.”
