Farron calls for 12.5% business rates cap to protect pubs in the South Lakes

Local MP Tim Farron and the Liberal Democrats have called on the government to permanently protect local pubs from crippling tax hikes by introducing a 12.5% cap on business rate increases.

It comes as figures show that 142 local pubs have so far received funding from the government's relief scheme, with a total of £124,969.32 handed out.

The government announced last March that pubs in England hit with higher business rates would receive a £1,000 annual discount this year. But this is just a one-off scheme, meaning pubs will not receive any further relief in future.

Tim said: "Pubs form the bedrock of our local communities, but many now worry they will have to close their doors as a result of rising costs and crippling tax hikes.

"This relief is welcome, but it is only a temporary sticking plaster.

"We need to properly protect pubs in the long-term by capping business rate rises at 12.5%."