Local Councillor Richard Streatfeild Champions Hospitality Businesses at National Conference

Sevenoaks representative backs vital support for pubs, restaurants and cafés struggling with rising costs

Local councillor Richard Streatfeild took to the stage at the Liberal Democrat national conference in Bournemouth on Saturday 20 September to champion the cause of hospitality businesses struggling across Kent and beyond.

Speaking in support of motion F12 "Backing Hospitality for Growth and Jobs", Councillor Streatfeild - who represents Sevenoaks Town at Kent County Council and Chiddingstone at Sevenoaks District Council - drew on his own experiences of a decade running a hospitality business and as member of the Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce to highlight the challenges facing the sector.

"You haven't really lived until you've tasted Larkin's Traditional, a Kentish ale brewed in the Parish of Chiddingstone, and served in the many independent pubs around Sevenoaks," Streatfeild told conference delegates, before outlining the serious challenges facing these beloved local businesses.

Triple Whammy of Challenges

Councillor Streatfeild explained how hospitality businesses have been hit by a "triple whammy" over the past decade:

• Brexit reducing access to labour and customers
• The pandemic requiring businesses to rely on life support measures
• Liz Truss's mini-budget dramatically increasing borrowing costs at a faster rate than many businesses could cope with

The result? One in three hospitality businesses are now running at an effective loss, and 63% have had to cut jobs.

Liberal Democrat Solutions

The motion championed by Councillor Streatfeild proposes comprehensive support for the hospitality sector, including:

• Replacing unfair business rates with a Commercial Landowner Levy
• Exempting small and medium hospitality businesses from the recent National Insurance Contributions rise
• Reforming the apprenticeship levy to better support training
• Pushing for energy market reform so businesses can access fairer deals
• Helping businesses invest in skills and technology

"This motion tackles key issues of unfair tax and energy costs that have become damaging or even prohibitive," said Councillor Streatfeild, who noted he can no longer afford to employ horticultural apprentices this year due to the broken system.

Supporting Local Communities

Drawing on both his military background and business experience, Councillor Streatfeild emphasised that "the number at the bottom right hand corner of the spreadsheet is a much harder and less forgiving taskmaster than any sergeant major."

The Liberal Democrat plans aim to help pubs, cafés, restaurants, and hotels not just survive, but thrive - supporting local jobs, boosting the economy, and keeping communities vibrant.

Councillor Streatfeild concluded his speech by inviting conference delegates to visit Sevenoaks to enjoy a pint of Larkins "either before or after a delivery round - or both!"

Richard Streatfeild serves as Kent County Councillor for Sevenoaks Town and Sevenoaks District Councillor for Chiddingstone. The motion was successfully passed at the Liberal Democrat conference.