Food delivery giant pre-election call for more business rates aid

Fast food delivery giant Just Eat has launched its own pre-election manifesto calling for the next Government to reduce business rates for hospitality businesses. The manifesto’s recommendations are aimed at supporting the growth of small hospitality firms and enhancing their resilience against tough economic backdrops. According to a recent survey by Just Eat, of 1,000 small restaurant owners questioned, the biggest issues impacting their businesses are increased food costs (65%), increased energy costs (56%) and the cost of living issues impacting customers (54%). The online delivery platform, which has 88,000 partners across the UK, identified three key areas that need to be addressed. In its Recipe For Success manifesto, Just Eat is calling for:

• A reduction in Business Rates to allow more hospitality businesses to qualify.
• An adjustment to the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) to allow more hospitality businesses to qualify, an extension of relief periods for new businesses and a widening of the criteria for vacant property relief, to encourage new entrants to the high street.
• Support for workforce development including changes to the Apprenticeship Levy and National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Leigh Phillipson, Sales Director at Just Eat UK & Ireland, said: “Small restaurants are the backbone of the high street supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, bringing communities together and providing food for people up and down the country. But times are very tough for a sector faced with rising costs, labour shortages, changes in regulation and supply chain disruption. Much more needs to be done by whoever forms the next government if high street heroes are going to survive and thrive. “We work hand in glove with these small businesses every day, which is why we’re calling for policies that support their growth. As we approach the General Election, we hope this Manifesto acts as a call to arms for the next Government to back our pledges and stand up for the sector.”