Local Hospitality at Risk

New analysis by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 55 pubs, restaurants and cafes are at risk of closure in Somerset West and Taunton following the Chancellor’s Budget last week.

The analysis also predicts that 2,056 businesses will close across the South West.

The Budget confirmed that business energy support will be slashed by 85% by moving from a cap on unit costs of electricity and gas to a discount covering a small proportion of the price. 

According to the Federation of Small Businesses “one in four small firms anticipate either closing, downsizing, or radically changing their business model” when business support is slashed in April.

Liberal Democrat analysis shows that small and medium sized pubs, restaurants and cafes are facing an increase in bills of £231 million - around £2,706 in Somerset West and Taunton per business. 

Liberal Democrats are calling for this energy support to be extended for at least six months longer.

The party’s Parliamentary candidate for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, said: “What good is cutting the price of beer in pubs if there are no pubs - or indeed cafes and bars left open?

The Conservative Government is failing businesses in Taunton and Wellington who are facing the very real possibility of closing their doors this April.

“If the Tories actually understood hospitality businesses, they would extend energy support for at least another six months as Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called for.”

Nancy Powell-Brace, who runs the popular Odette’s Tearoom on Wellington’s High Street, said the fuel bill increase as a result of the Budget was “absolutely crippling the business.”

She added: “The loss of Government support for fuel costs as a result of the Budget is now jeopardising the survival of hospitality businesses like Odette’s.”