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Cafe owner's fears over cut to business rate relief


Published on 2025-03-31 07:22:20 - BBC
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  • A small business owner has said her cafe will struggle to survive due to rising costs and is calling on the government for more support. Donna Carr runs Dot-teas Emporium, which also acts as a hub for people to come together for art and craft projects,

The article discusses the concerns of a café owner, Sarah, in the UK regarding the government's decision to reduce business rate relief from 75% to 40% starting in April. This change, part of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement, aims to save £2.4 billion but has raised fears among small business owners like Sarah. She explains that the reduction in relief will significantly increase her operational costs, potentially forcing her to raise prices or reduce staff hours, which could negatively impact her business's viability. Sarah highlights the ongoing recovery from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, arguing that small businesses need continued support to survive. The Federation of Small Businesses has echoed these concerns, warning that the cut could lead to closures and job losses across various sectors.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/economy/cafe-owner-s-fears-over-cut-to-business-rate-relief/ar-AA1BZ7Rx ]