Hospitality sector under financial strain: Rachel Reeves faces backlash over business rates claimsThe hospitality sector, including pubs, restaurants, and hotels, is grappling with significant financial pressure following recent budget announcements. Despite hopes for relief, businesses are now facing further increases to the national minimum wage and higher business rates. Rachel Reeves plans to lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties have been met with criticism, as many small businesses realize their bills will actually go up. Eddie Nelder, who owns five hotels in the North-West, shared his concerns about the current climate, which he finds tougher than ever due to rising utility bills, wage pressures, and last Aprils national insurance and minimum wage increases. James Nye, who oversees ten pubs in East Anglia, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact of the minimum wage uplift and the confusion over claims of lower business rates.

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