Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

Richard Tice Excerpts

Monday 19th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

I strongly agree with my hon. Friend that pubs are important anchor institutions. I know that she cares deeply about the businesses in her constituency, and she is a strong representative for them. Under the previous Government, we saw more than one pub closing every single day—7,000 fewer pubs in our communities. This Government will do all we can to continue to support publicans and institutions that are the lifeblood of communities up and down the country.

[Richard Tice (Boston and Skegness) (Reform)]

There has been an absolutely shambolic, chaotic furore around these business rates since the Budget. When will the Minister do the right thing and confirm to the House exactly when we are going to get some clarity on these changes? Is he aware just how despairing businesses are in my constituency of Boston and Skegness and around the country because of the uncertainty and the increased costs? Is he also aware that pubs are reducing opening hours and employee hours? Will he do the decent thing and apologise?

[Dan Tomlinson]

I was not sure what the hon. Member was referring to when he said there was a “shambolic, chaotic furore”, but it was probably his own party, which would not be able to run anything in any brewery, let alone a whole country.