Historic Hospitality Sites Seek Business Rate Relief from Chancellor Healey

Owners of historic hospitality venues in England and Wales are calling on Chancellor John Healey to introduce business rate discounts to protect heritage sites and encourage tourism. The plea comes as many such establishments, operating within listed buildings, face higher operational costs.

Giles Fuchs, owner of the art deco Burgh Island hotel in Devon which inspired Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," is among those advocating for a 5% reduction in business rates for heritage sites. Fuchs highlighted that while pubs and small music venues may benefit from lower rates under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's initiative from next year, historic properties often incur significant expenses for upkeep and repairs.

"Too many businesses are being caught between a rock and a hard place," Fuchs stated, referencing rising employment and energy costs. He emphasized the added burden for businesses operating from listed buildings, which must maintain architecturally important elements, often with strict limitations on alterations. "For those operating from listed buildings, that challenge is even greater," he added.

Fuchs cited the example of his hotel's 200 original Crittall windows from the 1930s, which require costly refurbishment due to their vulnerability to sea air. Refurbishing these windows can cost approximately £10,000 each, significantly more than modern equivalents.

He stressed the cultural and community significance of these historic buildings, describing them as "bastions of British history and the soul of so many local communities." Fuchs argued that sensible business rates relief would not only help safeguard these properties but also support the hospitality businesses that sustain them, ensuring future generations can experience the unique character and heritage they offer.