Graham is calling on the government to extend business rates relief to soft play centres and other family focused venues.
The call follows the government’s decision to introduce a 15 per cent business rates discount for pubs and music venues. The move was a U turn after last year’s Budget led to business rates doubling for some local pubs, including the Monks Walk and the Rose and Crown in Beverley.
While that correction was welcome for pubs, soft play centres and other family venues were left out.
In Beverley, Jack in the Box soft play centre has spoken publicly about the pressure rising costs are placing on family venues. The issue was highlighted this week in a BBC News report on indoor play centres and business rates.
In the article, owner Ken Lunn said:
“Do they deserve it? Of course they do, but we all deserve it. Why should a pub that’s serving alcohol get these concessions, but a play centre that’s serving children and families doesn’t?”
Graham says the current approach does not make sense.
Soft play centres support families every day. They give children a safe place to play, learn and socialise. They give parents and carers vital breathing space. Many employ local people and young workers. Treating them as less deserving of support is unfair.
Graham has written to the Chancellor calling for parity in business rates relief and is gathering evidence from local businesses to press the case in Parliament.
He has also launched a petition, Fairness for Family Venues, inviting parents and carers to add their name and show ministers how important these venues are to family life.