Local MP Robbie Moore has paid tribute to the important role local pubs play in the community during a speech in Parliament.
The MP praised several standout establishments across Keighley and Ilkley, including last year’s “Best Pub” competition winners The Craven Heifer in Addingham, The Brown Cow in Keighley, The Goats Head in Steeton, and Haworth Steam Brewery in Haworth.
Speaking in Parliament, Moore said, “Our local pubs are a crucial part of our community, bringing people together and creating spaces where residents can socialise and connect. They also play an important role in supporting the local economy by providing jobs and attracting visitors to our area.”
Speaking about his annual pub awards, Mr Moore added “previous winners include the Craven Heifer in Addingham, which does a mighty meat pie; The Brown Cow in Keighley, where hon. Members will find one of the best-poured pints of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord; the Goats Head in Steeton, one of the friendliest pubs embedded in the heart of the community; and of course the Haworth Steam Brewery, which always has a fantastic atmosphere and a great vibe, and which is home not only to its own beers, but to Haworth gin.”
Moore also raised several key issues affecting small businesses, calling on the government to consider new measures to support pubs like VAT cuts and reducing red tape to alleviate the pressure on local businesses during challenging economic times.
It comes after news that the average pub will see business rates jump £3,938 to £9,451 next April following Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget measures this week, according to analysis by commercial real estate intelligence firm Altus Group,
Robbie Moore MP said:
"Pubs are a huge part of our community, a place to socialise and vital in helping to address loneliness and improve mental health and wellbeing. It was therefore fantastic to pay tribute to the work our brilliant pubs do across our area in Parliament.
One of the common themes I’m getting from our hospitality sector is that they constantly face a battle against government red tape. That is why I am extremely worried about the measures announced in this week’s budget, which could see business rate costs for the average pub increase from around £4,000 to nearly £9,500.
It is clear that more vital support is needed for our pubs and our hospitality sector as a whole and that is exactly what I will continue to fight for down in Westminster.”
Business rates data: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g7x6p865zo
