Publicans are presenting their case in Parliament after being given a boost by their MP’s activity in the Commons.

St Albans MP Anne Main confirmed a meeting had been organised between St Albans landlords and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick MP, today (14 January).

The Conservative MP also announced that a debate titled ‘Effect of business rates on pubs’ had been secured for tomorrow.

The MP said she hoped to stress the full extent of the effects of business rates across St Albans to the minister.

Speaking at the Finance Bill debate last Tuesday, Mrs Main critiqued Chancellor Phillip Hammond’s decision in October to cut rates by 33 per cent for businesses valued under £51,000.

She noted that St Albans’ high property prices meant that, despite the Chancellor’s intentions, pubs in the city were still under pressure.

She added: “The Government were absolutely right to target business rates as a way of helping the high street and small businesses.

“The new rate simply provides a cliff edge that penalises successful businesses in areas that are plagued by high property values.

“We must devise a system that helps small businesses and pubs to thrive, not just those with a low retail value.”

Christo Tofalli, vice chairman of Save St Albans Pubs and landlord of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks on Abbey Mill Lane, said: “Anne Main has been instrumental for the campaign - we have also had support from every political party."

Six Bells owner Alan Oliver added: “We are hoping that the £51,000 threshold is reformed and will be applied across the board.

“After that, we just want overall rates reform.”

Mrs Main met several pub owners from the The Blacksmiths Arms, The Beech House, The Boot, Dylans, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks and The Six Bells in November to discuss the impact of the rates on their business.

Fellow campaign vice chairman Mandy McNeil said: “This is a direct result following on from Anne's visit to St Albans where she was able to see first hand the impact of business rate reform on our pubs.

“We should not be cutting staff to pay for business rates - rates are too high if you are a small, independent pub.”

Mr Tofalli, Mr Oliver and Ms McNeil will be joined by chairman Sean Hughes and others on Monday.

In a statement, Mrs Main said: “I will always stand up for the interests of local businesses in St Albans.

“Pubs in St Albans are a vital part of our local community and the level of business rates they are having to pay is unfair and risks the closure of more pubs in the city.

“I was grateful for local publicans meeting with me in December and showing me around some of the pubs that are being heavily impacted by business rates.

“The increases are astonishing and they are clearly unsustainable. We must see change on this and I will do everything I can to pressure government to make the changes that are needed.”

To support the campaign, visit https://www.savestalbanspubs.co.uk/.