Soaring business rates threaten the closure of a popular coffee shop, its owner has warned.
Joe Ingleton, proprietor of Fueled Coffee in Uttoxeter for the past four years, reports a more than doubling of his business rates.
“With a £3.40 coffee price, the sheer volume I need to sell to cover costs before even considering wages, rent, and electricity is staggering,” he explained.
He is appealing for greater support from East Staffordshire Borough Council. The council stated that while the government previously offered 75% relief on business rates for Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure (RHL) businesses, this has been reduced to 40%.
His business rates have increased from £3,243 in the previous year to a substantial £7,784 for 2025/26.
“These exorbitant rates are unsustainable,” he told BBC Radio Stoke.
“The stress is immense; sleepless nights and a complete lack of motivation are now my reality.”
“The council claims this support is for small businesses – this is their opportunity to acknowledge the injustice.”
Mr. Ingleton, deeply committed to his community and business, says the current rates are significantly impacting his mental wellbeing.
A council spokesperson attributed the rate increase to the government’s phased reduction in RHL business rate relief.
“While 75% relief was provided in 2023/24 and 2024/25, the government reduced this to 40% for the 2025/26 tax year,” they clarified.
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