Havering Council has officially backed pubs and small businesses by agreeing to a motion calling on the government to review tax changes that are impacting these local enterprises, with concerns that current policies are putting Havering jobs and livelihoods at risk .

The decision was made during a full council meeting. The motion, which was amended by the Labour Group, acknowledges the vital role pubs and small businesses play in the borough's economic and social life. The Labour Group's amendment highlighted the essential contribution that pubs and small businesses make to the economic vitality and social fabric of the London Borough of Havering.

It states: While acknowledging that taxation is necessary to fund vital public services, this Council notes that changes to national tax policy must be kept under review, and calls on the government to ensure that future changes are proportionate and strike an appropriate balance between the need for sustainable public revenue and the viability of small businesses in our community.

The key argument from the Labour Group was to ensure that future tax changes are proportionate and effectively balance the need for sustainable public revenue with the ongoing viability of small businesses within the community.

More details on the council's agenda and reports can be found in the Public reports pack.