My historic hotel in Devon inspired an Agatha Christie hit: John Healey must give businesses like mine a discount on business rates

Historic pubs and hotels are urging the Chancellor John Healey for a discount on their business rates in order to protect heritage sites.

There are tens of thousands of hospitality venues operating in listed buildings in England and Wales, according to official figures.

Pubs and small music venues have benefited from lower business rates promised by Prime Minister Andy Burnham from next year, but many historic hospitality sites face higher bills.

They also have to pay the standard 20 percent VAT on the upkeep and repair of the buildings themselves, including ensuring architecturally important elements are protected.

The owner of the luxury hotel that inspired Agatha Christie is one of such listed buildings.

Giles Fuchs, whose Burgh Island art deco hotel in Devon inspired Agatha Christie's thriller And Then There Were None, is calling for sites like his to receive a 5 per cent discount on business rates to preserve Britain's heritage sites and encourage tourism.

'Too many businesses are being caught between a rock and a hard place,' because of rising employment and energy costs, he said.

'For those operating from listed buildings, that challenge is even greater,' he added. 

'They are expected to protect and maintain nationally important properties, often at considerable cost and with strict limitations on the changes they can make, yet there is very little recognition of that responsibility in the tax system.'

His hotel has more than 200 Crittall windows with original metal from the 1930s that can't withstand the sea air. 

They cost around £10,000 each to refurbish - compared to £2,000-3,000 for the modern equivalent.

Fuchs added: 'These historic hotels, pubs and venues are bastions of British history and the soul of so many local communities. 

'They are places where generations have gathered, worked, celebrated and made memories, and once they are lost, they cannot simply be replaced. 

'As custodians, we have a responsibility not only to protect them today, but to leave something behind for those who come after us.

'Sensible business rates relief would help safeguard these buildings, support the hospitality businesses that keep them alive and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the history, hospitality, character and sense of place that make Britain so distinctive.'