Rachel Gilmour MP rallies behind The Chapel at Cotford St Luke amid sector pressures

In early January, The Chapel announced on social media that they needed a “significant increase in local support”, stating that “the reality is that without this, closure in the short term is a very real risk”. 

In their post, Cotford St Luke’s pub and restaurant said that “changes in customer habits, the reality of running a large historic building that’s costly to heat, and the impact of the recent Government’s Budget – including further business rate increases due from April – are all being felt”.

In last year's Budget, the Chancellor announced that business rate relief would be removed in its entirety from April of this year, having previously been reduced from 75% down to 40%.

Yesterday, Mrs Gilmour met with owner Steve Elliott, who has run the pub with his wife Tracey since 2022, to discuss the future of the business. Mrs Gilmour has heard from many hospitality businesses across the constituency who are also struggling to survive amid similar pressures. 

Following the visit, Rachel Gilmour MP said:

“Having lived locally for more than half my life, I know about The Chapel’s wonderful reputation. The business really is a pillar of the local Cotford St Luke community, employing 30 members of staff. 

The Government’s lack of action over business rates is nothing short of disgraceful. The Chancellor has publicly recognised the pressures on the hospitality sector and has failed to act. 

If you live in the constituency, please support independent businesses like The Chapel – they’ve never needed us more. Another way you can show your support is by signing my online petition calling on the Government to improve support for our much-loved local businesses, which you can access here: https://www.rachelgilmour.org.uk/campaigns/business-rates-relief-for-hospitality.

In the meantime, I will continue to campaign hard for government action to support our hospitality businesses, who are the backbone of our communities.”