MP's sympathy for struggling country pubs

A campaigning local MP has described the plight of country pubs as “soul destroying” over plans to increase electricity costs.

Julian Taylor, whose family have been mine hosts at the landmark Church Inn in Uppermill for 33 years, gave a stark warning last week how country inns may be forced to close their doors because of spiralling fuel costs.

The father of four said: “We paid £1,450 per month 15 months ago, which rose to £2,600 per month seven months ago.

“Now, the latest quote to come into force in September takes the figure to up £6,770 per month if nothing is done about it.

“It would be very unfair to pass these additional costs on to customers who are already hit by cost of living crisis.

"It’s a real dilemma.”

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “It must be soul destroying for businesses including country pubs like the Church Inn who are already struggling, to get no extra help from government.

“The cost of living crisis hasn’t just suddenly appeared, it’s been affecting businesses for many, many months now, but the current zombie government has done nothing to address the issues. 

"What makes matters worse is the fact the Tories won’t even have a new leader until September 5 and neither of the candidates is prepared to commit to do any more to help the public or businesses.

“At a business event I held last month my guest speaker was Chris Fletcher, Policy Director, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, who said his main message was that, as regards inflation, it is clear the ‘real’ rate for businesses is much higher than the 10.1% overall CPI inflation rate.

"In fact he said it was more like 30 to 40%."

“Labour recognises the costs facing businesses,” she said. 

“Our proposals for small businesses include a discount on their business rates bill for 2022/23, ahead of more fundamental reforms proposed by the Party when in Government.  

“In addition, our £29bn plan to freeze the energy prices for households and taxing oil and gas producers properly will also bring inflation down, making future interest rate hikes less likely and easing the burden on households and businesses alike.  

“Labour would also invest much, much more in home grown, cleaner energy such as solar, wind, hydrogen and nuclear power helping make the transition for pubs like the Church Inn an easier one.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy and deserve better support, and only Labour is willing to make the commitment of fully costed support to help them through this crisis.”

Mr Taylor added: “I’m considering installing alternative methods of lighting and heating the pub - solar panels or wind power.

"I could do that for the cost of one month's power supply at these proposed prices.”

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