A PARLIAMENTARY debate saw local MP Rachel Gilmour again call for a VAT cut for rural pubs struggling to cope with rising costs.

Pubs across Somerset have been struggling since Covid as regulars have been hit by the cost of living crisis and landlords have seen rises in employers’ National Insurance contributions and increased business rates.

Mrs Gilmour praised the Butchers Arms, in Carhampton, for bucking the trend after it recently reopened and turning itself into a significant focal point for the community.

She said: “Pubs are not just about food and drink, they are also somewhere for people to go to socialise.

“They are great for people who are lonely.

“The Butchers Arms reopened in January, and it now has a library and a shop.

“I am sure the Minister would agree that is a very good situation to be in.”

Treasury Exchequer Secretary Dan Tomlinson said halving hospitality VAT to 10 per cent would cost £11 billion to implement.

However, he said the Department was reviewing the amount and type of business rate relief which pubs could be offered going forward.

Mr Tomlinson said the Treasury was aware of the issue and was actively looking at additional rate relief which could be offered to pubs and related hospitality businesses.

He said: “In January this year, we went further to support pubs, with a further 15 per cent off their business rates bills and a real-terms freeze in business rates for pubs in the next two years of this revaluation period.

“That support is worth £1,650 for the average pub this year.

“It means three-quarters of pubs are seeing their bills either fall or stay flat this year and, as a sector, pubs will pay eight per cent less in business rates in 2029 than before the revaluation took effect.”