The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has responded with concern to the UK Government’s recent decision to reverse planned increases in business rates for pubs in England, saying the move highlights a growing policy gap that leaves independent hairdressers, barbers and salons without equivalent support. The Government’s U-turn — driven by pressure from the hospitality sector and a potential rebellion by Labour backbenchers unhappy with heavy tax rises — would ease or delay sharp business rates hikes for pubs after industry outcry over bills that were set to increase by more than 70 per cent.
NHBF calls for inclusive rates relief
Sam Silver, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NHBF, said the hair and beauty sector — which contributes £9 billion to the UK economy and employs over 275,000 people — has been “completely overlooked” in discussions about targeted business rates relief. He stressed that independent salons, barbershops and clinics face the same premises-based cost pressures as pubs, including rising energy and labour costs. Crucially, unlike pubs, they also grapple with a VAT threshold that constrains growth and leaves the Treasury out of pocket, Silver added.
“If the Government is serious about supporting high-street businesses and economic growth, they need to extend this relief to all independent, premises-based retailers including the hair & beauty sector that serves communities across the country every single day.”
Industry reaction reflects wider frustration
The Government’s U-turn followed intense lobbying by pub trade bodies and MPs alarmed by the projected tax burden — sparking warnings of potential closures and even pubs banning Labour MPs from their premises in protest. While the policy reversal has been welcomed within the hospitality sector, others argue it still doesn’t go far enough. Some industry figures have called for broader support across hospitality and retail, saying that limiting relief to pubs risks leaving restaurants, hotels and small high-street businesses exposed to soaring costs.
For the NHBF, the message is clear: tailored support for pubs must be expanded to protect the viability of other independent, community-based service businesses struggling under the same business rates system.