Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pubs: Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

Thursday 11 December 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alison Griffiths raised concerns about the impact of tax hikes on pubs in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.
  • Rebecca Paul argued that the Minister's response did not reflect the severity of the situation facing pubs.
  • The government provided support through a scheme to help small businesses and those losing rate relief.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Griffiths Con Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The Chancellor's budget was described as a bitter attack on the pub industry, with increases in business rates, minimum wage, and alcohol duty impacting local businesses.

Question

I am concerned about the impact of recent tax hikes on pubs in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. Iain Brown from the William Hardwicke pub and Charlie Cockaday from the Fox Inn reported significant financial pressures due to increased rates and other costs, making it difficult for them to break even. What steps is his Department taking to help these businesses survive?

Answer from Kate Dearden (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade)

We recognise the ongoing pressures faced by pubs and are taking action through targeted support. The main transitional support for ratepayers losing RHL relief is provided through our supporting small business scheme, which also helps those losing small business rates relief or rural rate relief at revaluation. We continue to work with the sector and support them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures addressing the increased costs mentioned by Iain Brown and Charlie Cockaday were not detailed.

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Q2 Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

Following Alison Griffiths' question, Rebecca Paul noted the high number of closures and ongoing challenges faced by pubs.

Question

The Minister's response does not adequately reflect the seriousness of the situation facing pubs in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and across the country. With eight pubs closing each week and increased costs and taxes, it is clear that business rates are going up rather than down as claimed. Will she take meaningful action to help these businesses or continue to say they are supporting them?

Answer from Kate Dearden (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade)

Without our support, pubs would face a 45% increase in total bills next year. We have reduced this to just 4%. The majority will have their bills capped at £800, 5%, or 15% next year. In addition, we have established the licensing taskforce to cut red tape and remove growth barriers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures addressing increased costs were not detailed beyond general statements about caps on bills.

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