A family petrol station serving East Yorkshire since the 1940s has been hit with a fivefold business rates rise after the latest revaluation, putting fresh pressure on a local business known across Beverley and Holderness for keeping fuel prices low.
Long Riston Services has been run by the same family for three generations and is widely recognised by motorists for its consistently low petrol prices.
Owner Oliver Blake said the site’s rateable value has jumped sharply, with annual business rates expected to rise from around £17,750 to £104,000 — almost five times higher.
The business already pays rates at around 43p in the pound, and the family say the scale of the increase feels far too high for a long-established rural service station serving the local community.
Why it matters
Small independent businesses like Long Riston Services play an important role in local communities. They provide jobs, keep essential services running and often help keep prices down for local families.
When businesses that are doing the right thing face sudden and steep increases in costs, it risks pushing up prices, reducing investment and putting local jobs at risk.
Graham pressing for fairness for local businesses
Backing local businesses and pushing for a fairer approach to business rates has been a priority for Graham.
He believes that when local firms work hard, create jobs and keep prices down for families, the system should support them rather than make it harder for them to succeed.
In recent months Graham has been raising concerns about the impact of rising costs on independent businesses across Beverley and Holderness.
This has included:
- Supporting a campaign for fairness after a Beverley family venue faced a £27,000 business rates increase, with more than 90 local residents backing Graham’s petition calling for action.
- Calling for family venues to receive the same support as pubs, arguing that businesses serving children and families should qualify for the same business rates relief available to hospitality venues.
- Backing proposals to scrap business rates for many high street businesses, which would allow hundreds of local shops, pubs and restaurants to reinvest in jobs and growth.
- Meeting regularly with local employers and business owners across the constituency to hear directly about the pressures they face.
After visiting Long Riston Services to hear directly from Oliver about the impact of the increase, Graham raised the case with ministers in Parliament.
He is now encouraging other local businesses affected by sharp increases following the latest revaluation to come forward so the scale of the issue can be properly addressed.
Graham said: “Long Riston Services is a brilliant local business that people rely on. It’s famous for keeping petrol prices low and has been part of the community for generations.
“A fivefold rise in business rates is an enormous shock for any family business. When local firms are working hard and keeping prices down for families, they shouldn’t be hit like this.
“Small independent businesses are the backbone of our local economy. When they succeed, our communities succeed too.
“I will keep pressing ministers for a fair approach so businesses like this can keep serving local people.”
