Leigh Ingham

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Huq. I commend my hon. Friends the Members for Blackpool South (Chris Webb) and for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) on this debate on an important topic that comes up a lot locally for me. Like other Members, I have many businesses in my constituency concerned about rising costs and calling for greater stability. I recently had a lengthy discussion with Adam, the landlord of The Royal Oak—I think that is the third Royal Oak to be mentioned today—an award-winning independent pub in Church Eaton in my constituency. He was candid with me about the reality of running an independent pub. Before I go into detail on the challenges he faces, I want to take a moment to note what an incredible steward he is of this wonderful community asset. The Royal Oak was acquired back in 2020, when members of the village clubbed together and put their mortgages on the line to save it. The period since then has been turbulent, including the pressures of the pandemic, but they have persevered because The Royal Oak is central to village life. Adam has personally committed to giving back to youngsters from the area the same opportunities he got as a young man. Right now he employs two local young lads, but the reality is that he and his family are working many unpaid hours because of spiralling costs. Another award-winning business in Stafford, Jojo’s Fish & Chips, also shared with me their very real concerns. I will quote the owner, John, directly: “It’s not a handout we are looking for; it is about creating a fairer system that enables small businesses to not only survive but also to thrive.” I totally agree with him. We should be encouraging growth in our communities. I welcome the business rates review currently under way and look forward to its outcome, which will be essential for pubs. However, we must ensure that any cuts to VAT are targeted effectively so that support reaches those who need it most, rather than simply boosting the profits of large corporations that do not face the same pressures as our independents. I would welcome hearing more from the Minister on whether we are considering different rates and targeted approaches so that support can be focused on the independent businesses at the heart of our communities.