But in Bingley, where small independent pubs play a crucial role in supporting local breweries, the reaction has been cautious. Overall the market will shrink because of this.”He said the issues pubs face have been compounded by what he described as “ridiculous re‑evaluations” of business rates. “Thriving local businesses, bustling high streets and pride restored in our communities – that’s what this government is delivering." That so far therefore is a broken promise, as is their commitment to abolish business rates. “It is high time that business rates were replaced by a system that taxed online retailers the same as physical businesses.