NFFF Calls for Fair Business Rates Relief Across Hospitality, Not Just Pubs
As reports emerge of a government plan to extend business rates relief to pubs only, the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is urging ministers to take a broader, more balanced approach that supports the whole hospitality sector – including independent fish and chip shops.
With the Chancellor expected to announce a package of support within days, industry leaders are warning that targeted relief for pubs alone will fail to address the depth of the challenges facing hospitality businesses nationwide.
NFFF President Andrew Crook welcomed any move to support the sector but cautioned against what he described as a short-sighted focus.
“We welcome any support for hospitality, but focusing just on pubs is short-sighted,” he said. “Independent takeaways like fish and chip shops are struggling with the same rising costs – if not worse in some cases. Our sector can’t be ignored.”
Fish and chip shops continue to face sustained pressure from rising energy bills, labour costs, ingredient price volatility and reduced consumer spending, all while operating on tight margins. The NFFF has repeatedly warned that without meaningful and inclusive support, many independent operators risk becoming unviable.
The issue has been further highlighted following comments made last week by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who acknowledged that pubs and hospitality businesses will “struggle” under the government’s business rates revaluation, despite overall rating levels decreasing.
In interviews with GB News and LBC, the Prime Minister pointed to the phasing out of Covid-era reliefs and confirmed that transitional support would be introduced. However, he admitted that some businesses would still face higher bills as a result of the new valuations.
“I do acknowledge, for pubs and others, that the revaluation means they will struggle,” Starmer told GB News. “That’s why we’re working with them.”
He also suggested greater flexibility around licensing hours as part of discussions with the sector, adding that the government was “very open” to those conversations.
Speaking to LBC, Starmer said: “At some point, the overall rates are going to be lower. But I accept that because of revaluation, that means that some will have their bills going up. We’re putting in place transitional relief. We’re talking to the sector… about what further support we can put in.”
However, the NFFF has stressed that long-term reassurances and transitional measures are not enough for businesses already under severe strain.
“The autumn budget did little to support hospitality that is under immense pressure across the sector,” Crook said. “The NFFF will be working with other associations to highlight the situation to government and hopefully bring about meaningful change to support the sector and help to generate growth to help the economy. We simply cannot wait until autumn 2026.”
As anticipation builds ahead of the Chancellor’s announcement, the NFFF is calling on government to recognise the vital role played by fish and chip shops and other takeaway businesses in local economies and communities – and to ensure that any business rates relief is applied fairly across the entire hospitality sector, not just one part of it.
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