Labour Faces Criticism Amid Economic Slump and Controversial Tax Policies
Labour is being accused of policy procrastination as the UK economy slips backwards, with rising unemployment and subdued business investment. A new business rates regime targeting pubs and hotels has been described as hastily prepared by Treasury officials and not sufficiently road-tested, raising concerns over sharp rate hikes.
Small independent pub chains are expected to be hit the hardest, with some venues reporting rate increases of 500% or more. This has sparked protests, including #taxedout banners displayed outside affected pubs. The Fired Up Collective highlighted a Dorset pub facing a projected 126% rate rise by 2028, underscoring the strain on pub operators and the local employment they support.
Furthermore, farmers are set to face a new inheritance tax levy starting next April, which risks forcing farms to be sold to private equity firms or foreign buyers amid broader tax increases. The article argues that family businesses and farms, typically operating on slim margins and long timelines, will find these inheritance tax changes particularly burdensome.
Labour's leadership is also critiqued for prioritizing election considerations, with advisers reportedly wanting every decision vetted for its potential to secure votes.
