55 pubs in South Gloucestershire expected to close as Chancellor slashes business support in the Budget

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

The analysis also predicts that 55 businesses will close across South Gloucestershire.

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 £2,800 per South Gloucestershire business. 

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

Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on South Gloucestershire Council, Claire Young said:

“What good is cutting the price of beer in pubs if there are no pubs left open? The Conservative Government is failing businesses 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 called for.”

Notes

Data here - taken from NOMIS, an ONS Service tracking  labour market statistics

Image credit: Marie Michaux (Flickr)