Welsh Government’s ‘Final Budget’ will spell the death knell for pubs, say CAMRA [Campaign for Real Ale].

Responding to the publication of the Welsh Government’s final Budget on January 20, CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “Slashing support for pubs and hiking business rates bills is totally disastrous and will sound the death knell for more Welsh pubs.

“The Welsh Government are repeating the mistakes of their colleagues in Westminster by axing the 40% discount pubs get on their business rates at the very time those bills are set to rise due to a revaluation.

“Transitional reliefs may sound good but this Budget still means higher business rates bills than pubs are paying now. Our locals need permanently lower business rates bills so that they can survive, thrive and play their part bringing money into local economies and as vital community hubs.

“We hope MSs and political parties will demand a rescue package for pubs before the vote on the Budget next week.”