The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on business rate increases as having a detrimental impact on wedding, and other hospitality venues.
Gavin Lane, CLA President, said:
“This tax could kill the dream of the countryside wedding. Entrepreneurs have spent years turning empty barns into successful businesses. They’ve created jobs, pulled in tourists, and transformed Rural Britain into a booming wedding hotspot.”
“Now if business rates are hiked thousands of venues will have no choice but to pass those costs onto couples who may scale back their weddings, postpone or simply go abroad. Many couples save for years for this one-in-a-lifetime day. Piling on more taxes will only mean couples lose choice, venues lose their future and the countryside loses a vital success story.”
Hikes in business rates will not only affect wedding venues, but numerous other diversified hospitality and entertainment businesses. The CLA advises its members to consider challenging their business rates valuation if they believe there are sufficient grounds for doing so. CLA members can contact the CLA North regional office for advice on 01748 907070.
