MP Gideon Amos has called for greater support for public houses, hotels, and leisure venues in the Wellington area after discussions with local businesses.

The Government has announced plans to support pubs and music venues by giving them a 15 per cent discount on business rates from April.

But Mr Amos said the ‘half-pint’ measures ignored ‘great swathes’ of the industry and were not helping high street businesses.

Mr Amos said: “A family hotel contacted me and the combined impact of Government changes in the Budget will, they expect, as they look to the year ahead, lead to a £250,000 loss.

“The Government must do the right thing and press ahead with the full 20 per cent discount in business rates valuations that its initial regulations promised.”