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Pubs in Leicestershire will see tax bills increase by almost £5,000 in April - raising concerns that some could be forced to close. Research carried out by the Conservative Party shows the

combination of decreased business rate relief and increased National Insurance contributions to be introduced by Sir Keir Starmer's government in April will result in pubs in the county

having to pay £4,808 more in tax next year. Companies in the retail, hospitality and leisure industry have been eligible for 75 per cent discount on business rates since the 2020-21

financial year - but this will fall to 40 per cent in April, and will be capped at £110,000 per business. The amount employers are required to pay in National Insurance contributions is also

increasing from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent. The research shows pubs across the country will see bills increase by an average of £5,500 next year as a result, which the Conservatives say

amounts to a "pub tax". The party has launched a campaign called 'Save our Local', calling on the government to do more to support the sector. READ MORE: It's time

to vote for Leicestershire's best pub in our poll Shadow Communities Secretary Kevin Hollinrake: “First the Labour government came for pensioners, then they came for the farmers, then

they came for small businesses, and now they’re coming for your local pub. Labour’s war on pubs will load tens of thousands of extra costs onto pubs, raise the price of a pint, put jobs in

jeopardy and put our pubs at risk of closure. “This is why we’ve launched the Save your Local campaign. Pubs are at the heart of our towns and cities, and we must protect them from Keir ‘no

beer’ Starmer." And shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith described the changes as "a massive kick to pubs, which are the lifeblood of local communities". He said:

"Labour’s war on the local – a great British institution - shows how out of touch they are with ordinary people," he said. "Everything Labour do is driven by ideology rather

than common sense." An increase in draught relief cutting 1p off duty on all draught drinks comes in today, (Saturday, February 1). The government says this amounts to an £85 million

tax cut for the sector. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said: “Our pubs and brewers are an essential part the fabric of the UK and our brilliant high streets. Through

draught relief, small producer relief, and expanding market access for smaller brewers, we will help boost sector growth and deliver our Plan for Change to put more money in working people’s

pockets.” We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first