Locals facing an uncertain future with closing time looming for some

HIGHER FOOD AND DRINK COSTS, RISING ENERGY PRICES AND PRESSURE ON CONSUMER SPENDING ADDING TO THE MIX ALIGNED WITH MASSIVE HIKES IN BUSINESS RATES

- BY LAYCIE BECK

Boston, facing an estimated increase of 650 per cent

(Google)

A LOCAL pub organisation has warned that pubs across the county "face an uncertain future" after the Government's U-turn on business rate hikes.

Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman for the Campaign For Real Ale, said: "Pubs in Lincolnshire, and across the UK, sit on a knife-edge and face an uncertain future.

"The disastrous budget showed the Government's complete disregard for our locals, and without the expected U-turn on business rates, many Lincolnshire pubs could be forced to close their doors for good."

He added: "Pubs need permanently lower business rates bills, plus support with scandalously high energy bills and unmanageable hikes in Employer National Insurance contributions, along with lower VAT on food and drink if they are to not only survive but thrive."

A spokesperson for the Ever So Sensible Pub company, which runs four pubs in Lincolnshire, said the current situation is becoming complicated and confusing.

They said: "The recent changes were presented by Rachel Reeves as a discount for industry, but the reality is far more complicated.